At the forefront of innovation, Imperial College London is exploring the potential of artificial intelligence in hybrid meetings. Despite its promise, AI technology hasn’t fully achieved the goal of creating equitable meeting environments. Caroline Carter, AV Services Manager at Imperial, sheds light on why human habits are more of a hindrance than hardware.
AI is revolutionizing workspaces worldwide, offering enhanced scheduling, automated note-taking, and improved accessibility. Yet, in hybrid settings, it struggles to deliver the much-anticipated equity. Speaking with UC Today, Carter remarked, “To be perfectly honest, at the moment, it’s not [creating equity].” She indicated that the core issue lies in meeting culture and room design, not in the absence of AI tools.
Currently, if most meeting attendees are physically present and a few are online, inequities persist. Online participants may struggle to contribute equally, a problem not yet solved by AI.
On campus, AI is mainly employed for minute-taking and scheduling, offering practical benefits such as easy recovery from double bookings or missed points. AI’s contributions to accessibility are evident, allowing for inclusivity regarding neurodivergent staff and supporting individuals with dyslexia or dyspraxia.
Despite these advancements, Carter maintains that training and user understanding are essential. Without adequate training, users might not fully benefit from the systems, akin to under-utilizing a smart TV. Regular workshops aim to bridge this gap, although engagement can vary.
Hesitancy to adopt AI is not uncommon; fears, knowledge gaps, and ethical concerns play a role. Currently, Imperial uses AI voluntarily, with no formal regulations. For Carter, AI significantly aids those with learning differences, though the choice remains personal. The focus remains on demonstrating AI’s tangible benefits without imposing its use.
Carter emphasizes that AI’s impact is incremental, steadily automating administrative tasks and freeing time for strategic work. Despite this, the danger of AI misrepresentation highlights the ongoing need for careful implementation within academia.
Looking forward, Carter predicts smarter tools integrating both online and in-room participants will redefine meeting conduct. While AI can streamline processes, its success hinges on human adoption and understanding. The balance between training and cultural acceptance remains crucial.
Imperial’s approach mirrors a broader trend in universities and enterprises; the journey toward AI-enhanced meetings is less about technological prowess and more about human adaptation. Echoing Carter’s sentiments, the future of hybrid work will rely heavily on education and attitudinal shifts towards AI.
