Inside STC’s first-ever Students That Connect Symposium: Exploring AI

Schools That Can
Nov 20
2 min read

Updated: Nov 24

On November 18th, Schools That Can was joined by over 70 students from 7 schools across New York City for the first-ever Students That Connect Symposium: Exploring AI hosted at SUNY Global Center. Students and educators gathered for a day of discussion, debate, and design challenges focused on the impact and implications of artificial intelligence. We're looking forward to sharing a video taking you inside an incredible day, but for now, take a look at the highlights of STC: Exploring AI!

Exploring the ethics of AI with Neha Shukla

The day began with a keynote from Neha Shukla, a young AI ethicist, inventor, social entrepreneur, and author. Neha's talk began with her taking students through her own journey to discovering her passion for developing technology to create positive change. Then, she explored the ethical issues surrounding AI and potential of AI for social good. Throughout her talk and Q&A, Neha emphasized the importance of young people’s input being centered in discussions and development of technology.

“Our voices matter. Our experiences matter.”

Debating the pros and cons of AI

Next up, students dove into a debate, arguing pros and cons of AI and thinking critically about how it can be used. Using the real-world skills STC’s curriculum focuses on, including collaboration, critical thinking, time management, and problem-solving, students engaged in a rapid-fire debate, raising important points on education, healthcare, media, and the environment.

Hands-on learning with Playlab

The event’s finale featured Playlab, who presented the design challenge to students and supported them in using Playlab to create their own apps that solved a challenge facing their communities. Shout out to Ethan Castro and the rest of the awesome Playlab crew who brought such great energy and opportunities for hands-on learning to students! Students developed thoughtful solutions, including apps that offer mental health resources, support students learning English, SAT vocabulary study tools, support Muslim girls finding and building community, and connect people with local resources for basic needs in their communities.

What students said:

85% of students said they learned more about AI technology at the event.
85% of students said they had the opportunity to practice collaboration skills.
79% of students said they had the opportunity to practice research skills.

"I learned AI is a tool and can't replace basic things like communication, problem-solving, and human critical thinking." "I learned about how to make an AI tool that can help people with their basic needs, such as math, history, etc. I also learned about the pros and cons about AI."

"I learned that [AI] has endless possibilities and limitations. AI changes every day, and has positives and negatives depending on who uses it and how it's used."