Curiosity to Confidence with the AI Hub

Abstract

In response to increasing curiosity, confusion, and concern about generative artificial intelligence (AI), the authors launched the AI Hub at the University of Guelph-Humber during the 2024–2025 academic year. Designed as a physical booth in a high-traffic area of campus, the AI Hub served as a welcoming space where students, instructors, and staff could explore the practical and ethical dimensions of AI through informal, hands-on interactions. Weekly activities ranged from live demonstrations to guided discussions and resource sharing, aiming to make AI approachable and meaningful for academic, personal, and professional use. These encounters encouraged dialogue and reflection, fostering a deeper understanding of AI’s capabilities and limitations. This paper describes the development and implementation of the AI Hub, offering insight into both the logistics and outcomes of this initiative. Over the course of the year, the AI Hub engaged more than 500 members on campus and over 18,000 views on videos on social media, suggesting strong interest and growing demand for accessible AI education. Reflections from the student research assistants who operated the booth revealed four key themes: shifting from fear to empowerment, creating safe spaces for open conversation, bridging understanding through practical tools, and reshaping their own perspectives on AI’s role in their future careers. This article offers a replicable, low-barrier model for engaging campus communities in ethical AI exploration and concludes with recommendations for institutions seeking to build confidence, curiosity, and critical awareness around AI technologies.

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