AI explained in simple terms.
In this Q&A, Professor Timothy Henry, director of the AI program, who also serves on Gov. Daniel McKee’s Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, explains AI in layman’s terms.
What are we actually talking about when we talk about AI? People talk about AI all the time, but that doesn’t necessarily mean laypeople truly understand what this technology is and how it works.
AI is teaching computers to do things that normally require human intelligence, such as the ability to reason, learn and solve complex problems.
Imagine teaching a child to identify dogs. You don’t write down every possible rule about what makes a dog a dog, you show them lots of examples. AI works similarly through “machine learning.” We feed computers millions of examples and they discover patterns on their own.
But here’s where things get interesting. Traditional AI, which has existed for decades, follows logical rules that we program, like programming a chess computer how to calculate the best move. But generative AI, which exploded into public consciousness three years ago with tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude, works more like a creative partner. It learns from vast amounts of text, images or other data to generate content, predict what comes next and even hold conversations.
What are some of the practical applications of this – not hypothetical future breakthroughs, but real world examples of things happening here and now?
In healthcare, AI can detect certain cancers more accurately than human radiologists and help develop new medications in months rather than years. Our own student, Sonya Cheteyan, used AI to analyze x-rays and detect pneumonia.
In education, AI tutors adapt to each student’s learning style. Imagine having a teacher available 24/7 who knows exactly how to help you understand a concept you’re struggling with.
In science, AI recently helped solve a protein-folding problem that stumped researchers for years, and it’s discovering new materials for everything from batteries to sustainable energy. At RIC, we're training the next generation to harness these tools responsibly across all these fields.
What do you say about the ethical concerns surrounding AI? Are computers about to replace people across the workforce?
AI raises profound questions. Job displacement is real. AI will transform many careers, but history shows that technology creates new jobs while eliminating others. The key is to prepare people to work alongside AI, not compete against it, because employers are looking for college graduates with strong AI skills.
More concerning are issues of bias. AI learns from human data, so it can amplify our prejudices if we’re not careful. There are also questions about privacy – what data should AI access? Accountability – who’s responsible when AI makes mistakes? And transparency – how do we ensure AI decisions are explainable? We must all learn to use AI responsibly.
I’d classify you as an AI optimist. How do you envision our AI future?
The future isn’t AI replacing humans. It’s AI augmenting human capabilities in ways we’re only beginning to imagine. We’ll see more personalized medicine, with AI tailoring treatments to your unique genetics. Education will become truly individualized, adapting to each learner in real time. Climate science, drug discovery and space exploration will accelerate dramatically. But the most exciting future? The one our students will create. At RIC, we’re not just preparing them to use AI, we’re empowering them to shape how AI evolves, ensuring it serves humanity’s best interests. The question isn’t what AI will do to us, but what we’ll accomplish together with it. Rhode Island College is training the ethical AI leaders who’ll answer that question.
RIC’s AI program teaches students the art of teaching machines. Learn more about the B.S. in artificial intelligence.