HONOLULU – This week, a three-day global conference wrapped up, aimed at preparing students for a future shaped by artificial intelligence (AI).
Held at La Pietra Hawaii School for Girls, the Swell conference featured an interactive animated dog named Spark Lingonberry, designed to inspire creativity and engage young minds. Students had the opportunity to talk to Spark, who could remember names, share jokes, and even ask questions back.
Launched a few months ago by a company called The Illusion of Life, Spark is still being refined, but it embodies the conference’s focus on technology and human interaction. “We want to enhance user experience so that using technology feels joyful,” said Summer Kim, the conference founder and head of research at StratMinds. “The future of AI will depend on excellent user experiences.”
With numerous AI tools hitting the market, educators emphasized the importance of teaching students and their families how to use these technologies responsibly. Justin Lai, an education technologist at La Pietra, explained, “AI won’t do the work for you, but it opens up many new possibilities.”
The summit featured insights from global AI experts from organizations like OpenAI, Google, and NVIDIA. While AI does come with concerns, such as disinformation and deep fakes, advocates believe its benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Eva Lam, a STEM teacher at La Pietra, highlighted the importance of critical thinking skills in evaluating AI-generated content.
“It’s all about teaching kids to use AI wisely, and it can be incredibly beneficial,” said La Pietra sophomore Manasi Aryal.
Another potential benefit of embracing AI is the creation of local jobs. Conference organizers noted that fostering an AI-friendly environment in Hawaii could keep more young people in the state. “Students don’t have to relocate to tech hubs like San Francisco to innovate; they can learn and grow right here,” Kim said.
The Swell conference showcased how the future can be shaped through technology and education, paving the way for a brighter future in Hawaii.
