Artificial Intelligence Demonstration

Oct 14, 2026

Artificial intelligence (AI) 

describes computers performing tasks that usually need human thinking, like spotting patterns and making predictions. Companies use AI to save time and make faster, more confident decisions.

AI performs these tasks using a handful of core capabilities, including:

Machine learning (ML) → where systems improve performance by example data rather than explicit programming

Deep learning → a type of ML using many-layered neural networks suited for complex patterns such as image and speech recognition 

Natural language processing (NLP) → which lets machines understand, interpret, or generate human language

Computer vision → which lets computers interpret images or video (such as recognizing objects or people) 

Generative AI → which can create new outputs — like text, images, audio — based on what it has learned

Not all AI works the same way. 

Some of it just assists people — think chatbots or recommendation engines. Other systems act more independently, like flagging fraud or scheduling maintenance on their own. 

A newer category, agentic AI, takes this independence further still, planning and carrying out multi-step tasks with limited human input.

McKinsey found that 88% of organizations now use AI in at least one business function, yet most haven’t scaled it enterprise-wide — a reminder that adoption and maturity are two different milestones, and that using AI isn’t the same as depending on it for core decisions.

Dr. Schafer will demonstrate the use of AI to assist code writing in education.

2627 Center Street

Cedar Falls, Iowa

Dr. Ben Schafer, UNI Professor of Computer Science

Dr. Ben Schafer is a professor of computer science at the University of Northern Iowa.  He has historically worked in the domain of recommender system technology which lies at the intersection of data mining, artificial intelligence, and human computer interaction. 

Most recently, he has worked exclusively with pre-service and in-service educators, preparing them to become endorsed computer science teachers.  

In addition to leading the CS Education program at UNI he serves in leadership roles in multiple state and national teacher education organizations.  When not teaching you will often find Ben kayaking or tying flies.

Dinner includes: 

• Salad with choice of dressing
• Roll with butter
• Chopped steak
• Mashed Potato with Gravy
• Mixed Vegetable
• Ice Cream for dessert
• Soda pop, Coffee, Iced Tea, or Water