Lecture

< TBD>

To Read

More than a Glitch by Meredith Broussard (chapters 10 & 11)

Meredith Broussard's More Than a Glitch explores the pervasive biases and systemic failures embedded in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, especially as they impact marginalized communities. Broussard, a data journalism professor and AI researcher, argues that these "glitches" are not mere technical errors but symptoms of deeper societal problems, including racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination. The book delves into how these biases manifest in AI, from facial recognition technology to algorithmic decision-making, and how they exacerbate existing inequalities. Broussard advocates for a more critical approach to AI development, emphasizing the need for ethical standards that prioritize fairness and equity over technological advancement.

• Ethical AI: The practice of designing, developing, and deploying AI systems in ways that are fair, transparent, and accountable. In the concluding chapters, Broussard emphasizes the importance of integrating ethical considerations into AI to prevent harm and ensure that technology serves the public good.
• Bias Mitigation: Techniques and strategies used to identify, reduce, and eliminate biases in AI systems. Broussard discusses various methods for bias mitigation, including diversifying datasets and involving more diverse voices in AI development, to create more equitable technologies.
• Tech Diversity: The inclusion of diverse perspectives, particularly from underrepresented groups, in technology design and development processes. Broussard argues that increasing diversity in tech is crucial for creating AI systems that do not perpetuate existing inequalities.
• Accountability in AI: The principle that those who design and deploy AI systems should be responsible for their impacts, especially when these systems cause harm. Broussard calls for stronger accountability measures to ensure that AI technologies do not exacerbate social injustices.
• Human-Centered Design: An approach to designing technology that prioritizes the needs, values, and experiences of humans, particularly users and those affected by the technology. In her final chapters, Broussard advocates for human-centered design as a way to ensure that AI systems are more equitable and less likely to perpetuate harm.

To Watch

To Write

• Broussard and McLuhan: In the final chapters, Broussard emphasizes the importance of designing technology with ethical considerations at the forefront. How does this emphasis on ethical design challenge or complement McLuhan's idea that "the medium is the message"? Consider whether ethical design can alter the "message" of AI technologies, or if the medium itself inherently carries the biases Broussard critiques.
• Broussard and Marcuse: Broussard concludes by discussing the necessity of diversifying the voices involved in AI development to combat systemic bias. How does this relate to Marcuse’s critique of one-dimensional thinking in One-Dimensional Man? Can Broussard’s call for diversity be seen as a form of resistance against the technological rationality that Marcuse describes? What challenges might arise in trying to diversify a field so deeply entrenched in existing power structures?
• Broussard and Deleuze: In the last chapters, Broussard discusses the potential for AI to either reinforce or resist systems of control. How does this discussion interact with Deleuze’s concept of societies of control? Can the ethical redesign of AI serve as a form of resistance within Deleuze’s framework, or does the nature of AI inherently lend itself to the perpetuation of control? Discuss the implications of Broussard's proposals in the context of Deleuze's ideas.

Facilitation Schedule

Critical Media Theory Fall 2024

docs.google.com

Workshop: Building and Refining Your Presentation

Objective: The goal of this workshop is to help you draft and organize your presentation for your digital ethnography project. You will use this time to conceptualize your slide deck, think critically about what you want your audience to think and feel during each slide, and receive early feedback on your rough presentation structure. This workshop will also ensure that you avoid common pitfalls, such as simply transferring your outline onto slides.

Outcome: By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a rough but intentional draft of your presentation slide deck. You’ll know what you want your audience to think and feel during each part of your presentation and will have received constructive feedback to help you refine your work. This will ensure that your final presentation is engaging, coherent, and impactful.

Workshop Structure

1. Introduction

• Overview: Your presentation should do more than just present information—it should engage your audience both emotionally and intellectually. A successful presentation guides your audience through your findings in a way that is clear, compelling, and memorable.
• Objective: By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a draft version of your slide deck, focused on what you want your audience to think and feel during each slide. This draft will serve as the foundation for your final presentation.

2. Storytelling and "Less is More" Approach

• Storytelling Approach: Think of your presentation as a story. Just like any good story, your presentation should have a beginning, middle, and end:
• Beginning: Set the stage with your research question or problem. Introduce the topic in a way that captures your audience’s interest and provides context for what’s to come.
• Middle: Present your evidence and findings in a logical sequence. This is where you build your case, guiding your audience through your analysis and key insights. Each slide should connect smoothly to the next, leading the audience through your thought process.
• End: Conclude with the implications of your research and a strong takeaway message. Summarize the key points you want your audience to remember and leave them with a final thought or question to consider.
• Less is More: When it comes to your slides, simplicity is key. Avoid cluttering your slides with too much text or too many images. Each slide should focus on a single idea or concept. Use visuals like images, charts, or diagrams to enhance understanding, not overwhelm it.
• Audience Engagement: Think about how you can actively engage your audience during the presentation. This might involve asking rhetorical questions, pausing for reflection, or incorporating interactive elements like a quick poll or a brief discussion point. Your goal is to keep the audience involved and thinking critically about your content.
• Visual Consistency: Maintain visual consistency throughout your slide deck. Use the same fonts, colors, and design elements to create a cohesive look. A professional and consistent design helps the audience focus on your content rather than being distracted by varying styles.

3. Drafting Slides with Intent

• Build slide
• On each blank slide, write down what you want your audience to think and feel during that specific slide. For example:
• Introduction Slide: Think - "This is an interesting and relevant topic." Feel - "Curiosity about the community being studied."
• Theoretical Framework Slide: Think - "These theories are foundational to understanding the project." Feel - "Confidence in the academic rigor of the analysis."
• Findings Slide: Think - "These findings are significant and well-supported." Feel - "Engagement with the data and insights being presented."
• Visual Planning: Write down ideas for visuals that will support these thoughts and feelings. Remember, visuals should enhance understanding and emotional impact—think about how images, diagrams, and minimal text can make your slide more powerful.

4. Group Feedback and Refinement

• Small Group Work:
• In small groups of 3-4, share your draft slides using the sticky notes or digital whiteboard. Your group will provide feedback on:
• Clarity: Are the key points and messages clear?
• Engagement: Will the proposed visuals and structure keep the audience engaged?
• Emotional Impact: Do the slides effectively evoke the intended feelings in the audience?
• Be open to suggestions for alternative visuals, slide arrangements, or additional points to consider. Use this feedback to refine your slide draft.

5. Slide Arrangement and Final Touches

• Rearranging and Revising:
• Based on the feedback you received, rearrange your sticky notes or digital slides to refine the flow of your presentation. Focus on creating a logical and engaging narrative that smoothly transitions from one slide to the next.
• Building Out Slides:
• If time permits, start translating your sticky note drafts into a digital slide deck (using PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides). Focus on one or two key slides that need the most attention. Remember, less is more—each slide should focus on one key idea, supported by clear visuals.