Gap/écart is an audiovisual work that translates the language of generative artificial intelligence (AI) policies into a visual, poetic expression. AI policies from 14 higher education institutions across the United States and Canada were reviewed using the AI chatbot ChatGPT to assist me in finding patterns among the texts, such as word frequency and keyword extraction. I wrote a poem informed by this text analysis, and finally expressed the poem as recorded sound with generative visuals.

The title of the work refers to the acronym for “Generative Artificial Intelligence” (GAI) as well as the conceptual gap or space (écart) between the promises of a novel technology and the very real challenges its dissemination brings about. As an adjunct professor at two universities in New York City, I have witnessed reactions to the use of AI tools and their effect on learning range from pessimistic fear, to cautious acceptance, to overzealous claims of a creative revolution. Policies are guidelines that are followed in fulfillment of a particular goal. What is our goal as it relates to learning, creative development, and the integration of AI technologies? Will AI policies help students and teachers make good decisions, and better understand ethical standards? The audiovisual work gap/écart takes an imaginative approach in responding to these questions, highlighting the words that guide our thinking on AI and learning.

Online exhibition: Intelligent art

Commissioned by the Multimodal Media Literacy team and the education division of the Littérature québécoise mobile partnership.

Acknowledgments

• Curator: Alexandra Martin
• French translation: Alexandra Martin
• Voiceover: Aya Karpińska (English) and Gaël Patron (French)
• TouchDesigner tutorials referenced: @elekktronaut, @plyzitron, @TheInteractiveImmersiveHQ
• Sound samples used: Deep Bass Horror Loop by NachtmahrTV, 90bpm Attack Slow by CVLTIV8R, Sublime Cream Drumbox by tripjazz, deep dub step beat by DreStortion