Webinar: AI in science communication teaching – practice and didactics

From writing science news stories, to visualising data, and making RTV productions, generative AI is transforming science communication practice. This transformation is raising questions about the skills we need to teach for our students to thrive in the world of generative AI and creating challenges in how we assess them.

In this online webinar, organised by the PCST Teaching Forum, we will reflect on these issues and consider how science communication teaching needs to adapt with the advent of powerful tools such as ChatGPT and how our assessments need to change to ensure they remain effective.

Following a mapping project – the GlobalSCAPE project which has mapped science communication programs worldwide – the Teaching Forum takes a closer look at the practical experiences from around the world, with a series of webinars, in which three speakers will present briefly about their teaching experiences.

Programme

Chair: Andy Ridgway, Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK

Can AI replace scientific illustrators?

Tullio Rossi, director of Animate Your Science, Adelaide, Australia
We’ve all witnessed the rising tide of AI-generated art. It’s fast, cost-effective, and often impressive. As a science communicator, I’ve been both mesmerised and perplexed by this phenomenon. In this presentation, I’ll share my perspective on the subject and flag some dangerous pitfalls you should watch out for. Beyond the caution, AI art also presents remarkable opportunities. It opens new avenues for expression and storytelling, enabling us to visualise concepts and ideas in ways previously unimagined. However, it’s crucial to remember that AI is just a tool. Like any tool, it holds no inherent ethics. The true significance lies in how we use it – ethically and correctly. This presentation will not only explore the capabilities and limitations of AI in visual science communication but also emphasise the importance of responsible usage.

Human connection will save science journalism in the age of AI

Jeff Goodes, journalist in residence, McMaster University, Canada
To compete with AI, we need to teach students how to use human connection as a communication tool. Research shows that when audiences listen to educational podcasts, they value human engagement just as much as information. That personal connection keeps them listening and coming back. To future proof our students, we need to teach the organic skills of story-telling and conversation. By sharing stories authentically and naturally, you connect to your audience in a way that AI cannot. It’s not just about content, it’s about humanity and how we connect when we share ideas.

How to use AI in production of podcasts

Chhavi Sachdev, Founder of Sonologue Podcasting, Mumbai, India
Chhavi Sachdev will share her experiences as a professional radio broadcaster and podcast maker: how can we use AI here? What are some tools that can make creating and sharing audio stories less daunting, whilst also remaining authentic and clear? And how can we instruct our students: what are the pros and cons of AI in improving your skills?