Digital Fluences 02: Algorithms

We increasingly live in an algorithmic society, our everyday lives shaped by interactions with Google searches, social media platforms, artificial intelligence software, and myriad devices and programs that rely on the execution of computational algorithms. Algorithms at once bake into their equations the assumptions and biases of their human makers and also take on lives of their own, for we now even have computational algorithms developing other algorithms. But what are algorithms, exactly? Is all thinking, computational or not, algorithmic in some manner? Are algorithms intelligent in the same way human reasoning is, or different? Overall, how do we develop better critical understanding of the computational algorithm? What can we do with algorithms in scholarship, teaching, and as citizens in the world? These are big questions. We’ll explore them through a few readings as well as a case study. Faculty, students, and staff at all levels are welcome to attend participate regardless of digital skills.

Please RSVP at the link provided to receive readings and so we know how much lunch to serve.

What is the Digital Fluencies Series? The Digital Fluencies series investigates what it means to develop critical awareness, engagement, and competency with digital technologies. Meetings general combine 1-3 readings (a link to materials will be provided when necessary) and a case study for hands-on exploration. Faculty, students, and staff at all levels are welcome to attend participate regardless of digital skills.

Co-sponsored by DLA, CTLR, Davis Library, and DLINQ. Organized by Leanne Galletly, User Experience & Digital Scholarship Librarian, and Michael J. Kramer, Assistant Professor of the Practice, Digital History/Humanities and Associate Director of the Digital Liberal Arts.