BGSU to host artificial intelligence workshop with renowned journalist, educator Al Tompkins

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Embracing technologies that support experiential learning, Bowling Green State University will hold a free workshop for journalism professionals, educators and students with renowned journalist Al Tompkins focused on artificial intelligence – or AI – and its implications and uses in reporting and news gathering from 8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, in the Schmeltz Atrium of the Maurer Center.

Presented by the BGSU School of Media and Communication, the workshop titled "Artificial Intelligence Essentials for Journalists and Powerful News Interviewing" will cover techniques for conducting effective interviews, managing reluctant subjects and crafting questions that elicit informative and emotional responses. Participants also will explore AI's impact on journalism and its implications for elections and public trust. The workshop will include demonstrations of AI capabilities, common AI mistakes and strategies for educating audiences on discerning credible news.

As an experienced and award-winning journalist of 52 years, Tompkins will lead the workshop, which is made possible with support from the BGSU President's Innovation Fund: AI in Teaching and Learning and the BGSU School of Media and Communication's Future of Journalism Fund. Tompkins has worked as a photojournalist, investigative reporter, news director and served for 25 years as senior faculty at the Poynter Institute, one of the world’s premier training schools for professional journalists.

To register, visit BGSU.edu/arts-and-sciences/media-and-communication/artificial-intelligence-conference.html. Space is limited to 100 participants with a registration deadline of Friday, Aug. 23.