Active learning ideas
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation is fundamentally altering the global economy and the nature of work. This topic explores the potential for AI to enhance productivity while also considering the threat of job displacement and the ethical concerns of algorithmic bias. Students examine how education systems and social contracts must adapt to a world where human-machine collaboration is the norm.
Activity 01
In small groups, students select an industry (e.g., law, healthcare, creative arts) and research how AI is currently being used. They create a 'Future Outlook' report predicting which tasks will be automated and which will remain human-centric.
Will artificial intelligence create or destroy more jobs?
Activity 02
Students debate whether governments should implement a Universal Basic Income (UBI) to support citizens whose jobs are lost to AI. They must consider economic feasibility and the psychological impact of work.
How should society prepare for an increasingly automated future?
Activity 03
Students look at AI-generated art or text and discuss whether it can be considered 'true' art. They share their thoughts with a partner on whether AI will eventually replace human creators.
What are the ethical concerns surrounding AI decision-making?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
AI will replace all human jobs.
AI is more likely to replace tasks rather than entire jobs, leading to job transformation. Peer discussions about 'human-in-the-loop' systems help students understand the collaborative future of work.
AI is perfectly objective and neutral.
AI reflects the biases of its training data and creators. A hands-on activity where students 'train' a simple sorting algorithm can reveal how easily bias is introduced into a system.
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