Computer Applications   

AI: The Good, The Bad and the Maybe
CA-02 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 17 24 Oct. 1, 8
Thursdays 12:15 - 1:30 pm
Artificial intelligence is suddenly everywhere—powerful, confusing, and often misunderstood. This class provides an introduction to what AI is, where it stands, and why it matters. We’ll start with the basics: key terms, a short history, and how today’s systems came to be. Then we’ll explore the current AI landscape, including major companies, popular tools, and a comparison of chatbots. We continue by examining the costs, risks, and controversies shaping public debate. Finally, we’ll look ahead to emerging capabilities in coding, autonomous agents, music, and video. No technical background required—just curiosity and a willingness to explore a rapidly changing technology. 

Before moving to Fairbanks in 2023, Instructor Jeff Lee retired from a 45-year career in IT. He remains a hobbyist and amateur writer.

Data Offense for the Real World: Outsmarting AI Abuse Without the Hype
CA-04 (in-person)
Session II Add-On: Nov. 19
Thursday 5:30 - 6:45 pm (one meeting)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the fastest growing and most damaging fraud and data abuse vectors. This seminar empowers students with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to protect their personal data and privacy in an increasingly forced AI‑saturated world. Through clear explanations, real‑world examples, and hands-on demonstrations, participants will learn how different kinds of AI work, how AI can be leveraged to exploit data and violate privacy, and how to build strong digital and offline habits that reduce vulnerability. The course emphasizes accessibility, clarity, and real‑life application. No AI hype or up-sells, just real strategies for real people concerned about protecting their data and privacy.

Instructor Mamie S. Brown is a Fairbanks attorney and founder of the Law Office of Mamie S. Brown, LLC, where she provides practical, value‑driven legal services to Alaskans and Alaska businesses. She is dedicated to helping protect Alaska’s seniors from AI‑driven scams, digital exploitation, and emerging forms of technological abuse.

Examining the AI World We're Entering
CA-01 (in-person)
Session I: Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6
Tuesdays 2:00 - 3:15 pm
*Recommended reading: one of two books for class discussion, The Coming Wave by Mustafa Sulerman or Generation AI by Matt Britton.
Artificial Intelligence is becoming the most transformative force in history, reshaping how we think, learn, work, and connect with others. This course examines AI’s benefits and its increasingly serious risks, including deepening inequality, eroding privacy, displacing workers, misinformation, and rewiring the brains of our children. We’ll explore the forces driving this accelerating technological surge, and its effects on daily life and society. We’ll discuss the potential impacts of Artificial General Intelligence, Artificial Super intelligence, quantum supremacy, and the Singularity and we’ll talk about what Alaskans and Americans can do to shape an AI future that either serves human values—or, perhaps, projects us into a new form of life. Enrollment limited to 18.

Instructors Roger Kaye and Rich Seifert are leading this course and will examine the current and potential impacts of the accelerating AI surge.

Staying Safe and Protected in a Digital World
CA-03 (in-person)
Session II: Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10
Tuesdays 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Many aspects of our lives are digital and online these days. This creates convenience for us and opportunities for others to take advantage. Come learn how to stay safe in your own digital world. Find out how to use anti-virus software, how to keep your mobile phone safe, protect your data, learn good password management, and spot scams and fraud. This is a hands-on course, with real-world examples, and simple practical steps you can take to be your own "digital bodyguard." Enrollment limited to 20.

Instructor Chris Beks is a Technology Implementation Specialist at UAF. He has been working with instructional technology in higher education for the past 25 years. He is passionate about how technology can improve our life and loves to share his experiences. In the summer, he spends a lot of his time on the family peony farm.