What are mathematical and statistical models, and what do they mean for all of us as educators and informed citizens? Is there a gap between “Model Land” and the real world, should we worry about that mismatch, and how should we react?
In the latest event from the Pondering AI at UTA curated podcast speaker series, national podcaster and analytics leader Kimberly Nevala guided UTA faculty and staff in an in-depth discussion of these questions and issues, along with the author of “Escape from Model Land,” Dr. Erica Thompson of the London School of Economics’ Data Science Institute. Dr. Thompson shared her impactful learning from a career in building and interpreting models in areas such as climate change and during the COVID-19 epidemic. The two specialist speakers helped UTA faculty and staff to question our assumptions and to transform our thinking about what models are, how they work, and what happens when they go wrong, in a thought-provoking, humorous, and human way.
This unique series has also introduced UTA listeners this semester to Henrik Skaug Sætra, the author of “Technology and Sustainable Development,” and Kate O’Neill, who presented insights from her book, “A Future So Bright.”
UTA listeners may also wish to listen to back and future episodes of Kimberly Nevala’s podcast, “Pondering AI,” available here (or wherever you pick up your podcast content).
UTA registered participants in this series were also invited to receive a copy of these presenters’ books, and can contact series organizers for shipping details.
The Pondering AI at UTA series is organized by the office of University Analytics at UTA, with the generous assistance of the Center for Research on Teaching and Learning Excellence.
