In this course we will discuss the historical context of GenAI (generative artificial intelligence) technology and how this context influences its evolution.

Week One: Where did artificial intelligence (AI) come from?
We will briefly survey the history of technology and our desire to build “smart mechanical systems” such as the Antikythera machine, the Mechanical Turk, the Analytical Machine and the Turing Machine. We will take a quick detour into cognitive science examining some theories about human information processing. We will use this context to discuss more recent inventions, such as perceptrons, Eliza, expert systems and deep learning networks.

Week Two: What is Generative AI (GenAI)?
We will discuss a basic view of a neural network and its biological correlates, which will help us to understand the concept of natural language processing and how machines understand words. We want to see how language plays a role in cognition. This will lead us to examining the big fuss around ChatGPT and exploring some known applications of GenAI in business, arts, healthcare, defense, and more.

Week Three: What’s next with Generative AI?
We will discuss several questions about Gen AI: Does GenAI continue to get better? What are ways to improve it? What should we expect in terms of the future of GenAI capabilities in 5 years, 50 years? We might even speculate when Star Trek science fiction becomes reality.

Week Four: What does Generative AI mean to us humans?
We will conclude by discussing our relationship with technology in general and generative AI more specifically. We’ll discuss the meaning of terms like “responsible AI” and “alignment”? I’d like to end with some philosophical questions relating to consciousness and what it means to be human in the context artificial intelligence.

Ram Prayaga has over 25 years of experience building and managing technology. Ram is currently the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Atalan Tech, Inc and he is excited about their mission of improving the retention and well-being of our healthcare providers. Prior to Atalan and following a brief stint as an LAUSD high school math teacher, Ram was the founding Chief Technology Officer (Product and Technology) of mPulse Mobile, Inc. a successful health tech company. Ram is an adjunct faculty member with Cal Lutheran’s School of Management and truly enjoys the experience of learning from his students while sharing his knowledge and perspectives. Ram has a Computer Science/Math degree from the University of Bergen, Norway, and an MS in Computer Science from USC. He also completed about 3 years of graduate work in Cognitive Science at UCSD. He believes he plays soccer while others suggest he might just be chasing a ball…

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people 50+ years of age, seeking intellectual stimulation through university level courses (without the pressure of grades) for the sake of learning and social engagement.

This course can be attended online via Zoom or in-person at our Oxnard campus.