Active learning ideas
Artificial Intelligence is no longer science fiction; it is a part of our daily lives, from Netflix recommendations to facial recognition. This topic explores the mechanics of AI, the potential for algorithmic bias, and the future of work in an automated society. It directly addresses NCCA Learning Outcomes 1.5 and 1.9, requiring students to debate the moral responsibilities of developers.
Activity 01
Students use the 'Moral Machine' scenarios to debate how an autonomous vehicle should be programmed to react in unavoidable accidents. They must justify their logic based on different ethical frameworks.
How will AI change the future of work and employment?
Activity 02
Using a simple 'Teachable Machine' tool, students purposely train an AI with a limited dataset (e.g., only photos of people with glasses). They then test it with diverse photos to see how bias is created and document the results.
What ethical rules should govern artificial intelligence?
Activity 03
Students identify a job they are interested in and discuss with a partner which parts of that job could be automated and which parts require human empathy or creativity.
Can algorithms be biased or discriminatory?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
AI is 'smarter' than humans and can think for itself.
Clarify that AI is a set of mathematical patterns and algorithms, not a conscious mind. Use a 'human computer' activity to show how AI follows instructions based on data patterns without 'understanding' the context.
Algorithms are always objective and fair because they use math.
Show examples where AI reflected the prejudices of its creators or the biased data it was given. Peer discussion about these examples helps students realize that human choices shape every 'neutral' algorithm.
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