The podcast series brings together diverse voices and perspectives within a community to engage in meaningful discussions about technology’s impact on our lives. Through insightful interviews, panel discussions, and listener contributions, this podcast seeks to:
- Educate and Inform: Provide accessible explanations of complex tech concepts, trends, and innovations, ensuring that the community has a better understanding of the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
- Promote Inclusivity: Create a space where individuals from various backgrounds, experiences, and expertise levels can participate in conversations about tech, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and valued.
- Address Local and Global Relevance: Explore tech topics that are relevant both locally and globally, recognizing that technology transcends geographical boundaries and affects communities worldwide.
- Highlight Community Innovations: Showcase tech-related projects, startups, and initiatives initiated by community members, thereby celebrating local talent and fostering innovation.
- Discuss Ethical and Social Implications: Delve into the ethical, privacy, and societal challenges posed by technology, encouraging critical thinking and responsible tech adoption.
- Facilitate Collaboration: Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing within the community, connecting tech enthusiasts, professionals, and learners.
Ultimately, the podcast aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and insights needed to make informed decisions about technology in their personal and professional lives, all while building a sense of community and shared understanding among its listeners.
Author’s Note and Acknowledgements
I am an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Information. This project aims to pilot an educational podcast to invoke community conversations around computing as a pathway to inclusive computing and as a way to amplify the voices of historically marginalized community members. I am driven by a desire to educate, inspire, and learn from listeners what their perspectives are about technologies like AI and to discuss questions, fears, innovations, and aspirations when it comes to discussing the role of technology in our lives. The podcast allows us to share our knowledge, connect with a wider audience, and contribute to the ongoing pursuit of learning, personal growth, and consciousness-raising.
MIT’s Department of Urban Studies Program (DUSP) funded the initial pilot series while I was an MIT MLK Scholar. I have also used AI to generate images, help generate show notes, and brainstorm questions. I will use my experience with AI to inform the general public about AI’s potential and flaws and raise critical questions about attribution.
