The module, CSC8611 Human-Artificial Intelligence (AI) Interaction & Futures, offered at Newcastle University, delved into the critical intersection of human experience and artificial intelligence. Designed by Jan Smeddinck and co-taught with Yu Guan, the course challenged traditional AI/ML curricula by emphasizing human impact and user interfaces, rather than solely focusing on algorithms.
A significant portion of the module explored the historical context of AI, tracing its evolution from early concepts like automata and cybernetics through various “AI springs” and “winters.” It highlighted the shift from ambitious promises of general intelligence to more specific, applied AI solutions, and the eventual resurgence of machine learning, particularly deep learning, driven by increased data availability and computational power.