The Connecticut Democracy Center is please to present a thought-provoking series, entitled “Ctrl + Shift + Democracy: The Impact of Technology on Society and Governance this coming July. This series of panel discussions, featuring industry professionals, state leaders and legislators, will delve into the profound impact of technology on our democracy, examining how unprecedented advancements are reshaping governance, policy, and societal dynamics.
In our rapidly evolving digital age, the interplay between technology and democracy has become increasingly complex and consequential. Join us for an enlightening limited lecture series hosted by Connecticut’s Old State House, located at 800 Main Street, Downtown Hartford. These panel discussions will run on consecutive Thursdays from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm.
The series is FREE and open to the public. To RSVP CLICK HERE
Join us for some important conversations:
How A.I. Is Changing Government
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Join our first panel as we delve into the transformative impact of AI on government and society, exploring both its potential to revolutionize public services and the ethical considerations it raises. Experts from technology, policy, and education fields will discuss how AI can enhance governance, improve citizen engagement, address societal challenges, and the challenges it might pose to education and accessibility. Attendees will gain insights into the balance between innovation and regulation in shaping a future with AI.
Guest Speakers:
James Maroney, Connecticut State Senator
Behlina de Abreu, President of the International Council for Media Literacy
Vahid Behzadan, Ph.D., Professor of Computer Science and Data Science, University of New Haven
Dan O’Keefe, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
Big Data and You
Thursday, July 18, 2024
In our second panel we will explore the profound impact of big data on government and citizens, focusing on its potential to drive smarter decision-making and improve our lives. Experts in the field of data science will discuss how big data can enhance governance, foster transparency, and address social issues. They will also address the danger of data bias, how it affects these systems, and how we can work to correct it.
Guest Speakers:
Scott Gaul, Chief Data Officer, Office of Policy and Management, State of Connecticut
Michelle Riordan-Nold, Executive Director, CT Data Collaborative
Russell Blair, Director of Education & Communications, Freedom of Information Commission
Susan R. Smith, Business Intelligence + Analytics, CT Department of Social Service
Digital Divide/Digital Equity
Thursday, July 25, 2024
The last panel discussion in the series will examine the critical role of digital equity in shaping government and societal outcomes, highlighting the need for inclusive access to technology. Experts from various sectors will address strategies being used in Connecticut to bridge the digital divide, ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens in the digital age, and the work that’s yet to be done for the future.
Guest Speakers:
Robert H. Wilson, Distinguished Visiting Professor, School of Public Policy, UConn
Lauren Thompson, Digital Equity Program Manager, Connecticut Commission for Educational Technology
Christine Gauvreau, Connecticut State Library
Parking:
On street parking is available. Garage parking for $5 is available at State House Square Parking Garage, located at 55 Market Street, just steps away from Connecticut’s Old State House. Please present your parking ticket to the museum’s Visitor Services desk for validation.
Free on-street parking is available after 6 pm and on weekends. Please follow posted parking instructions.
Our Doors Are Open:
Connecticut’s Old State House is committed to ensuring all visitors have access to this historic site. Our building is mobility friendly with a ramp on the West side entrance and elevator access to all floors. Our bathrooms on the ground floor are also accessible and have changing tables. If you wish to inquire about special accommodations for a tour or special event, please call (860) 522-6766.
Connecticut’s Old State House stands in the center of Downtown Hartford, steps away from fabulous restaurants and retail shops. We encourage you to make an evening of it and grab dinner and window shop before or after these presentations. For a list of restaurants, visit Hartford.com here: https://hartford.com/restaurants/