On 30 June, I attended an event in Bedford on the use of Artificial Intelligence and its possible impact and integration into education. Organised by Partnership Education, it featured guest speakers who were at the cutting edge of either education or AI. I was in attendance for two reasons: firstly, the speakers used a Clevertouch loan screen to deliver their talks and, secondly, many of the delegates were from Clevertouch schools, and I was asked to give an update on our newest innovations and to remind them to reach out if they wanted more free training.

As an observer, it was refreshing to hear people talk about AI with positivity and excitement instead of the oft-implied threat that AI will one day seek to replace us all. Personally, I hope AI will become a time-saving aide for artists, writers and other creatives – rather than a replacement for them. In addition, AI will undoubtedly become an invaluable research tool for students – if they can resist the temptation to merely copy and paste the results. I recently watched a news article that demonstrated how AI systems can be trained to monitor security cameras to alert human operators to possible threats. My future son-in-law already works with AIs daily, using ChatGPT to create redrafts of articles in various styles or photorealistic images with apps like Midjourney.

Inspired by the speakers and wanting to embark upon my own Mid-journey (see what I did there?), I decided to have a chat with Bard. Bard is a "conversational generative artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Google", or so Google itself tells us. What follows is a record of the conversation I had, which I hope you will find both entertaining and insightful. Preferably insightful in regard to Bard's answers rather than as a window into the mind that produced the questions.

First, I decided to start with a research question that I thought Bard would find easy to answer:

Question: Why are Clevertouch screens the best on the market?

Response: Clevertouch screens are considered to be some of the best on the market for a number of reasons. These include:
· High-quality display: Clevertouch screens offer excellent image quality, with bright, clear images that can be viewed from a distance. The screens also have a wide viewing angle, so everyone in the classroom can see the content clearly.
· Durable construction: Clevertouch screens are built to last. They are made with a durable glass screen that is resistant to scratches and fingerprints. The screens are also mounted on a sturdy stand that can withstand even the most active classrooms.
· Easy to use: Clevertouch screens are very easy to use. The touchscreen interface is intuitive and responsive, and there are a variety of software tools available to help teachers create and deliver engaging lessons.
· Versatile functionality: Clevertouch screens can be used for a variety of purposes, including teaching, presentations, and collaboration. They can also be used to display digital signage or to connect to other devices.
· Scalability: Clevertouch screens are available in a variety of sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your classroom or meeting space.
I wasn't keen on the word "some" in Bard's first sentence, so I asked:

Question: Could you focus on what makes Clevertouch stand out amongst the competition?

Response: In addition to these features, Clevertouch screens are also backed by a strong warranty and support team. This means that you can be confident that your screen will be reliable and that you will have help if you ever need it.
Overall, Clevertouch screens offer a number of advantages over other interactive displays on the market. They are high-quality, durable, easy to use, and versatile. If you are looking for an interactive display that will meet your needs for years to come, then Clevertouch is a great option.
Here are some additional reasons why Clevertouch screens are considered to be some of the best on the market:
· They are highly customisable. You can choose from a variety of screen sizes, resolutions, and features to create the perfect interactive display for your needs.
· They are compatible with a wide range of devices. You can connect your Clevertouch screen to laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other devices to share content and collaborate with others.
· They are easy to manage. The Clevertouch software platform makes it easy to manage your interactive displays, including updating firmware, installing apps, and creating content.

If you are looking for an interactive display that is powerful, versatile, and easy to use, then Clevertouch is a great option.

That was more like it, but I decided to get cheeky… Read more in next week’s blog or discover the series