University Hosts One-Day AI Event for Students

The Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln will host a one-day artificial intelligence (AI) hackathon on April 5. This event is open to all UNL students, no matter their major or area of study. The hackathon will take place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Carson Center, located at 1300 Q St., Lincoln, Nebraska.

What Is an AI Hackathon?

An AI hackathon is a short technology event where people form teams to build projects using artificial intelligence. These projects may solve real problems, explore creative uses of AI, or simply show how AI tools can work. Hackathons are fast-paced and fun. They help students learn new skills and meet people with the same interests.

Event Focus and Goals

The main goal of this hackathon is to explore how AI tools can enhance creativity and innovation. Students will learn to use AI to help with storytelling, art, music, and film. The hackathon will focus on solving creative challenges using generative AI.

Key focus areas include:

• Generating images or videos using AI tools
• Writing scripts and short stories with the help of AI
• Making digital music with AI tools
• Designing media art projects that combine text, sound, and visuals

Who Can Join the AI Hackathon for Students?

All students from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln are welcome. You do not need any special experience in coding or AI. The event is designed to include people from different fields such as:

• Film and Media Studies
• Computer Science
• Art and Design
• Writing, Journalism, and Communications
• Music and Audio Production

The hackathon will bring together people from many departments. Everyone will help each other and learn together. You can join the event on your own, or as part of a team.

Workshops and Mentoring

During the hackathon, students will have help from mentors who know how to use AI tools. There will be short training sessions, called workshops, to teach the basics. Mentors will include faculty members, tech experts, and industry professionals.

Workshops Will Cover:

• How to use ChatGPT and other large language models
• Using AI tools for image and video creation
• Safe and ethical use of AI
• Working with AI in storytelling and media art

Mentors will walk around and help teams who have questions or technical problems. These experts will also help students think creatively and work through ideas.

Why Students Should Join the AI Hackathon for Students

This event gives students a chance to learn and grow. They get to work with real AI tools, build something new, and practice teamwork. Even students who are not studying computer science can take part.

Benefits of joining include:

• Learning new tools and software
• Building your resume and project portfolio
• Meeting people with similar goals
• Getting feedback from professionals
• Understanding how AI can help in creative work

These skills are useful in school and in future jobs—especially in areas like digital media, writing, and tech.

Schedule for the Day

Students will work on teams to brainstorm, plan, and build their projects throughout the day. The event will follow this simple schedule:

• 10:00 a.m. — Welcome and team formation
• 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Workshop sessions
• 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. — Lunch break
• 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. — Project building time
• 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. — Dinner break
• 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. — Final project touch-ups and presentations
• 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. — Project showcase and awards

Students will get free food and drinks throughout the day. They just need to bring a laptop, charger, and big ideas.

Tools and Platforms

Participants will use free and popular tools that do not require coding experience. Organizers will give access to AI platforms and software licenses during the event.

Examples of tools to be used:

• ChatGPT (for writing and idea generation)
• DALL•E or Midjourney (for creating images)
• Runway or Pika Labs (for video content)
• Google Colab or similar tools (for experimenting with ML models)
• Descript (for editing audio and video)

Students will get help setting up these tools at the start.

Judging and Prizes at the AI Hackathon for Students

At the end of the hackathon, teams will present their work. Judges will review the projects and choose winners in several categories.

Judging categories include:

• Most Creative Use of AI
• Best Visual Project
• Best Audio or Music Project
• Best Storytelling
• Audience Favorite

Winners will receive prizes and certificates. All participants will be recognized for their efforts.

How to Sign Up

Students who wish to take part can register online. The form asks for your name, major, skills, and interest in joining a team. There is no cost to join.

To sign up, visit the Carson Center page or contact the organizers by email.

About the Carson Center

The Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts is part of the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts. It supports new ideas at the edge of art, media, and technology. The center offers courses, events, and lab experiences to help students grow their creative skills.

By hosting events like the AI hackathon, the center brings together students, artists, and tech lovers to explore future media tools.

Final Thoughts – AI Hackathon for Students

Events like this AI hackathon are a great way for students to explore new technology in a fun and safe space. By working with others, trying out ideas, and using AI tools, students learn more than they would in a classroom alone. This one-day event can spark new interests and help build a path toward future work in digital media, entertainment, writing, or technology.

Students at UNL should not miss this chance to learn something new, create something cool, and meet others who want to do the same.

(Source: https://news.unl.edu/article/carson-center-hosting-ai-hackathon-april-5)

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