In the past few years  various specialized scientists,  academics, and some well qualified CEOs of some AI research and development companies, have written extensively about the pros and cons of AI. Some see it as a panacea for the tech industry, and some see it as a threat not only for the tech industry but for the whole society as well.

I hardly understand how AI works, and would not have dared to write about it till I heard that my 11 year old grandson Noah had participated in workshops offered by AGBU of Toronto under the heading Artificial Intelligence (AI) with – Armenian content. Typical of any grandfather I got curious and did some follow up.

First I listened to an interview with Lena Sarkissian,  AGBU Central Board Member and Head of the AGBU Educational Department on the launching of the Innovation Studios in Toronto on Nor Horizon Armenian TV.

It was an excellent interview. Lena explained the program so eloquently that even I, as a tech challenged person could mostly understand it. Thank you Lena.

Next I “interviewed” my tech “nerd” grandson. He explained to me how AI with Armenian content was done at the workshop and he showed me his project as well. It was a great honor to get educated by your grandson that would have made any grandfather as proud as I was. Thank you Noah.

Here is how the AGBU website explains the program. 

AGBU Innovation Studios is a project-based learning atmosphere designed to bridge STEAM Education with Armenian Culture. It fosters the development of engaged and solution-oriented Armenians through a creative curriculum which encourages teens to be active creators of their identity and culture. (Emphasis is mine) The concept provides 11 to 18 years old Armenian youth with opportunities to not only acquire the hard and soft skills for careers of tomorrow, but also simultaneously connect with their Armenian identity as an integral part of the process. The inaugural spring session in Toronto began with BioRobotics Studio on March 4th, with workshop studios held once a week.

I highlighted the part in the above statement because it caught my attention and fired up my curiosity so to speak.

STEM education (Science Technology Math Engineering) is often over-emphasized at the expense of Culture and Art education. Needless to say without culture and art the society will become sort of a dull and boring robotic society at the expense of societies with lively and colorful national identities.

It was an encouraging, and a pleasant surprise, to see Lena use the term “STEAM Education ” adding an A for Art and culture “which encourages the teens to be active creators of their identity and culture”. I think this program is a good start to promote Armenian Identity and Culture trough technology.

I have written Monologues about Armenian Identity, culture, traditions, etc. mainly in the context of the Armenian private schools in diaspora. The last one was just a few days ago dated June 6 2023 and titled THE FAILURES OF ARMENIAN SCHOOLS. Usually I have been critical of the current system used in the Armenian private schools.

The STEAM Education with Armenian Culture. seems to be a positive forward looking program that needs to be promoted in many other Armenian communities in diaspora where the number of the students warrants its success.

Thank you again Lena for helping to create such a good program and congratulations to the parents and the graduating student. I hope all the students will be back for “more exciting sessions in the Fall”.

I wish AGBU and Lena Sarkissian all the success in this forward looking undertaking. Good luck to all.

Zohrab Baibo Sarkissian

PS. I Had finished writing this Monologue when I read the following statement from Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia. What a pleasant coincidence.

15:31, 9 June 2023

YEREVAN, JUNE 9, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has described the future of artificial intelligence to be “extremely attractive” but warned that the ethical consequences must be taken into account and the useful and responsible development and use of AI must be ensured.

He cited experts as saying that AI will become more individualized and integrated into the society in the future. “Overall, the future of artificial intelligence is extremely attractive, but it is necessary to take into account the ethical consequences and ensure that AI gets developed and used responsibly and usefully,” Pashinyan said.