Preparing an interdisciplinary future workforce

Aug 31

Education in siloed environments will no longer be relevant in the AI driven world, how can we prepared and be prepared to be relevant and confident in advocating for their ideas, validating their assumptions and creating solutions that are interconnected and interdependent.

(an excerpt from the syllabus for the Fall 2024 course AI & Data Play at The Cooper Union)

Over the course of the semester, the students from the School of Arts, the School of Architecture and the School of Engineering will learn how data influences how AI functions and apply the basics of game design to explore, design & prototype solutions for the issues they collectively wish to address at the intersection of contemporary culture & digital media. The goal of the class is to dive into our ideas and biases surrounding technology and humanity and create something meaningful through it.

The key takeaways from this interdisciplinary course are cultivating an understanding of the AI & Data, system biases, human-centered design process and game design. Students will develop systems thinking skills and the ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment, challenge and solve problems that they encounter. Also, learn the practice creating by iteration and explore different prototyping and testing methods within aesthetics, engineering and structural design.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course the students are able to develop the following skills

Foundational Knowledge

Explain the core concepts of AI and data, including machine learning algorithms and the limitations of AI systems.
Demonstrate understanding of game design principles, including mechanics, rules, and player interaction.

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Identify and analyze the biases present in data and AI systems.
Apply systems thinking to understand the complex interactions between technology, society, and culture.
Collaboratively define problems at the intersection of contemporary culture and digital media and propose solutions through design thinking.

Design & Prototyping

Utilize human-centered design processes to create interactive solutions that address user needs.
Demonstrate proficiency in iterative prototyping techniques for testing and refining game concepts.
Critically evaluate the aesthetics, engineering, and structural design of their game prototypes.

Collaboration & Communication

Effectively work in interdisciplinary teams, combining skill sets from engineering, arts, humanities, and architecture.
Communicate complex ideas about AI, data, and game design to a variety of audiences.

Personal Growth & Reflection

Critically assess their own biases and how they might influence their design choices.
Articulate how their learning in this course can be applied to their future endeavors and careers.

Outline & Intention

This class is developed with the intention of bringing together students from different disciplines and giving them the opportunity to explore a pressing subject matter while in a socially relevant way through creating something together and learning from each other. The class is also structured with students from Engineering, Arts, Humanities and Architecture schools in mind.

It is divided into 3 chapters, each comprising 5 semester weeks

Ch 1: Learn – During this period, students get to know the subject matter and each other through various exercises and literature reviews. They will also get hands-on through playing games, diving into data and prototyping methods.

Ch 2: Create – During this period they would have chosen a project that focused on developing algorithms and prototyping a functional AI that is driven by play. They would have chosen the groups they wish to be a part of based on interests and would apply the design and prototyping process.

Ch 3: Master – The last chapter is focused on building and bringing their project to fruition. They will have help from experts in various techniques to support them during this process.