‘NAVIGATING artificial intelligence and education: Exploring issues of impact, ethics, access and security’, is the theme of the third annual Rickert Allen Memorial Lecture on April 26. Hosted by the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) in association with the NCB Group, the lecture series honours the late Dr Rickert Allen, a former senior executive at both institutions, and annually presents a scholarship in his name for a deserving student at UCC.

The cadre of distinguished speakers who will lead the virtual presentations in the various areas include Godiva Golding, CEO & founder, STEAM House Network — an education hub for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) learning in Jamaica; Trevor Forrest, tech evangelist & CEO, 876 Technology Solutions, Cybersecurity Consultants; Rachael McDonald, educator & education consultant, and Matthew Stone, founder, Jamaica Artificial Intelligence Association.

President of the UCC Prof Haldane Davies noted that the lecture has in its previous two instalments set the tone for insightful, edifying discourse on topical issues.

“The third in the series, this year is no less so, exploring a topic that is top of mind, the world over, with discussions at varying levels on the pros and cons, challenges and opportunities that AI brings. We are focussing, of course, on its impact on our core interest — education, and we are excited to share and learn more about this emerging phenomenon.”

Nadene Matthews Blair, vice-president, group marketing, analytics and digital, and CEO of the NCB Foundation, noted that Dr Allen was a visionary and transformational leader, who introduced digital HR processes long before NCB embarked on its own digital transformation journey.

“We honour his legacy by focusing on transformative topics for this lecture, hence the selection of this year’s theme. As we explore the vast potential of AI, let us do so with an open mind to the possibilities it presents. Education stands to benefit greatly from AI, and we aim to examine its transformative potential in areas such as ethics, education, security, and access.”

To view the lecture, register or join on Zoom at www.ucc.edu.jm/memorial-lecture and via live stream on Facebook @UCCJAMAICA; YouTube @NCBJAMAICA and Instagram @NCBJAMAICA.