About the Session

This technically-oriented session introduces offline GenAI and highlights reasons one might choose it over commercial options like ChatGPT or Gemini. We will discuss the limitations of these offline options, showcase applications to run models locally on your computer, recommend local GenAI models depending on the objective, and examine pedagogical considerations.

By the end of this session, participants will:

• Understand the advantages of using offline GenAI versus commercial online options
• Consider the limitations of hardware and local models
• Choose local GenAI models based on their specific objective
• Identify applications used to run offline GenAI

This session is one of a two-part series on offline GenAI along with Supporting vs. Doing Student Work Experiments with Offline AI in the Classroom on May 14. You can register for one or both sessions.

This webinar is part of the Opterna GenAI project funded by the Hewlett Foundation.

Register Now!

This session may be recorded, archived, and shared after the event.

About the Facilitators

Dr. Elizabeth Childs is Professor and Program Head of the MA in Learning and Technology program in the School of Education and Technology at Royal Roads University. She holds a PhD in Educational Technology from the University of Calgary. Elizabeth is interested in the design, creation, and implementation of flexible learning environments incorporating the affordances of information and communication technology and provide learners with increased choice, flexibility, and opportunities. Dr. Childs’ research interests include open educational practices; creation of, and engagement in, online learning communities and digital habitats; design thinking and maker pedagogy; and models for training and professional development.

Harper Friedman is a Coordinator of Open Education at BCcampus. With a background in computer science, Harper is able to combine his technical knowledge with his experience in open education. Since the boom in GenAI, he has been exploring ways to harness this technology while staying aligned with values of accessibility, equity, environmentalism, and agency.

BCcampus is a proud member of the Sunflower Hidden Disabilities initiative. If you have a hidden disability that might affect your participation, you can download a virtual sunflower background to indicate that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time. If you require any support or have any questions, email sunflower@bccampus.ca