Durham Learn
Pre-visit Tasks
Thursday 30 May - Friday 7 June
Pre-visit Tasks
We look forward to welcoming you to Durham University and wish you an enriching and successful experience in your SCOUT Programme.
The Pre-Visit tasks are crucial for a smooth start at Durham University and provide a head start on your academic journey. Reviewing the course syllabus and completing pre-course readings help you refamiliarise yourself with key concepts to maximise the opportunities of the classes you attend.
Familiarising yourself with Durham’s online platform will boost confidence and reduce anxiety, making navigating the programme easier. Additionally, connecting with peers and instructors through online forums builds a supportive community, which will help you get the most out of the experiences.
In summary, pre-course tasks enhance academic readiness and ease your overall transition to Durham University, ensuring you are well-prepared and confident as you begin this exciting programme.
Pre-visit Tasks to be completed before you arrive:
1. Revision of online materials
Please review the milestones and other key information for Part One (Data Science) and Part Two (Artificial Intelligence) of the original online course. You may also want to refresh your memory of the academic skills units that you have already completed.
2. Pre-session Preparation
To prepare for the academic aspects of your visit to Durham there is some reading to complete and answers to prepare for in-person discussions.
Reading:
Li, Ni for Bank of Suzhou, China (2023) Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence: A Comprehensive Discussion from the Perspective of Computer Vision. Published in SHS Conferences. Available from: https://www.shs-conferences.org/articles/shsconf/pdf/2023/28/shsconf_ichess2023_04024.pdf
Questions for discussion:
- How can we ensure that AI systems are designed and implemented in a way that respects user privacy and data security?
- What measures can be taken to prevent bias in AI algorithms, ensuring fair and equitable treatment across different demographic groups?
- How should accountability be addressed in AI decision-making, particularly when AI systems make errors or cause harm?
- What are the potential implications of AI on employment, and how can society manage the transition to minimise negative impacts on the workforce?
- How can we balance the benefits of AI innovation with the need to mitigate risks related to AI autonomy, such as in autonomous weapons or decision-making systems?
3. Building Further Skills
The following resources help to build upon your existing personal and academic skills. They include information on Lifelong Learning, Mental Agility, Optimism, Criticism, Resilience, Problem-Solving and more...
Developing Resilience
Click the button below to begin the self-paced learning for Developing Resilience.
Problem Solving Fundamentals
Click the button below to begin the self-paced learning for Problem Solving.
4. Personal Development Planning (PDP)
"PDP supports the idea that learning is a lifelong and life-wide activity. The process of PDP can strengthen your capacity to reflect upon your own learning and achievement and to plan for your own personal, educational and career development. This is a core learning process, required throughout the education system and in many employment and continuing professional development contexts."
Personal development planning: guidance for institutional policy and practice in higher education. The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), February 2009.
To start you on your journey of self-discovery and to begin reflecting on your learning to date, please complete the following Microsoft Form:
