Boston College Tech Forum Celebrates 10-Year Milestone with Focus on Emerging AI Technologies
On November 20, 2024, the Boston College Tech Forum commemorated a decade of fostering technological innovation on campus with its 10-year anniversary celebration. This annual event, born out of the 2014 ITS Strategic Plan, brings together faculty and staff from across the institution to exchange ideas and best practices in leveraging technology to support departmental objectives.
The centerpiece of this milestone event was a presentation by Jon McGrath, Assistant Manager of IT Training, titled “A Practical Intro to the Evolving Role of Generative AI.” McGrath provided a comprehensive overview of AI, with particular emphasis on two Gen AI applications currently authorized for use with Boston College credentials: Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini. A key takeaway from the presentation was McGrath’s assertion that “Like many other tech advances, Gen AI apps are tools that can increase your productivity. People ultimately are making the decisions – not AI.” This statement underscored the collaborative relationship between human decision-making and AI capabilities.
The presentation was followed by small group discussions where attendees shared their impressions, experiences, and potential use cases for GenAI. These interactive sessions facilitated a deeper exploration of the practical applications and implications of AI in an academic setting.
The Tech Forum typically occurs biannually and represents an ongoing collaboration between ITS and various campus partners. While the format has evolved over the years, it consistently features a presentation from a Boston College department that has successfully harnessed technology to enhance their services, brief updates on ITS projects, and ample time for networking and table discussions, often over lunch.
For those interested in exploring the forum’s history or staying informed about upcoming events, resources are available on the Tech Forum web page (BC sign-in required). This page provides a comprehensive list of topics covered over the past decade and offers the opportunity to join the Tech Forum mailing list for Boston College faculty and staff.
As the Tech Forum continues into its second decade, it remains committed to its mission of exploring emerging technologies and fostering collaboration across campus. The event’s focus on practical applications and facilitated discussions positions it as a valuable resource for Boston College’s technology community.
