AI in Education

Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom

What is Artificial Intelligence?  Where do we find it?  What do we need to know about AI, as adults and educators?  What kinds of skills do we need to support our students in developing?

Code.org shares great resources for students and teachers.  This link is their teacher videos.  https://code.org/ai/pl/101 

Slides from a Matt Miller (Ditch that Textbook, AI for Educators) presentation LINK 

Resources are being created and curated to support you in this learning and work.  Please see below for resources as they are updated.

Understanding AI 

- What is AI?

- How does AI work?

- What are some of the risks of using AI?

 

AI stands for “Artificial Intelligence”.  It is a program that has been created to make something look human-like, or smart.  Society has been living alongside AI for years, and slowly seeing it infused into our regular routines of daily life as we live with technology. 

AI works by accessing digital data (and a larger and larger collection of data at that) that has been collected and filtered and made to make sense (through a process called “Machine Learning”) within the context of the program it feeds.  Then, AI moves through the program taking that data and using it to be able to react (reactive AI), predict (predictive AI), or most notably- generate (generative AI) an output.  We see this in many different platforms and technologies like smart robots, smart speakers, etc (reactive AI), streaming technologies, social media, autocorrect and autocomplete, smart mapping (predictive AI), and then language models like ChatGPT, Bing, Bard, Dall-E, Quizlet, MidJourney, Gamma and countless newly-created variations (generative AI).  Some are good, others are not.  Some are really good if we know how to use them well, but we cannot leave AI to stand alone. 

We must pair our human intelligence with this artificial one in order to move forward thoughtfully. 

We do not need to be able to code in order to use AI, but our work will greatly benefit from understanding what it is, how it works, and some suggested strategies and applications.  AI, as it is a program created and trainedby humans, risks including human bias in its creation.  The discussion and application of AI is a moment when we are encouraged to activate our critical thinking skills and consider many perspectives.      


Watch:

Code.org, “Machine Learning” 2 min 53 sec, Dec 1, 2020 Suggested for grades 2 and up.

https://youtu.be/KHbwOetbmbs 

This short video offers a short peek into how Artificial Intelligence works.  This video is part of a series of videos (and other lessons) that are offered from code.org 


Code.org, “Equal Access and Algorithmic Bias” 3 min 23 sec, Dec 1, 2020. Suggested for grades 5 and up

https://youtu.be/tJQSyzBUAew 

This video talks about AI uses, applications and potential risks of bias in that application.


Code.org, “Training Data and Bias” 2 min 40 sec, Dec 2, 2019 Suggested for grades 2 and up. 

https://youtu.be/x2mRoFNm22g 

This short video offers a peek into the process of AI and how the program can be biased or not work for all.


Code.org, “Ethics and AI: Privacy & the Future of Work” 3 min 26 sec, Dec 1, 2020.  Suggested for grades 5 and up.

https://youtu.be/zNxw5gJtHLc 

This video talks about advancements of AI and how humans and jobs are being impacted by those advancements.


Lessons:

Primary Day of AI.  Curated from ISTE, Code.org and other resources, collected and assembled within SD73 and infused with BC Curriculum: Core Competencies and First Peoples Principles of Learning.  Lesson Slides and Video of the Tech Coordinator leading the lessons to classes.

(3 lesson series including the recordings of the lessons for primary)

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1deEPuJFxIPq63BIACecsT0GViSEwBVeH3-f1o6VBQq8/edit?usp=sharing 

 

Intermediate Day of AI.  Curated from ISTE, Code.org and other resources, collected and assembled within SD73 and infused with BC Curriculum: Core Competencies and First Peoples Principles of Learning.  Lesson Slides and Video of the Tech Coordinator leading the lessons to classes.

(3 lesson series including the recordings of the lessons for intermediate-middle grades)

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1X9ROYdmLFFxNSHU2K0s-i3eABcx1feto7hnUKcFyrfA/edit?usp=sharing 


Common Sense Media, AI Literacy Lessons, 8 lesson series, recommended for grades 6 and up

https://www.commonsense.org/education/collections/ai-literacy-lessons-for-grades-6-12 

“This collection of quick lessons (20 minutes or less!) provide an introduction to AI and help address its social and ethical impacts. Through these lessons, students will:

Lessons in this series will support teachers and students in moving through the process of learning about AI and considering many different elements including: How AI works, AI Chatbots, Privacy and Ethics, Bias, and more.

 

StudioCode offers interactive activities for students to experience Machine Learning and learn about AI

AI for Oceans (gr 3 - 12) https://studio.code.org/s/oceans?viewAs=Instructor

 

StudioCode offers interactive activities for students to code their own dance party and learn about AI as they go

https://studio.code.org/s/dance-ai-2023/lessons/1/levels/1 

Large Language Models (ChatGPT) in Education

- What is a Large Language Model?

- How does ChatGPT work?

- What are the best tools for me to use?

- What are the best tools for students to use?

 

Large Language Model: a type of Artificial Intelligence that relies on massive amounts of data and "learns" through a machine learning in a neural network in order to generate new content.

 

Generative AI tools (AI tools that will create new text-based content) rely on the Large Language Model and allow users to produce diverse products using only general prompts.  It isn’t always good.  Critical analysis of the AI-generated product must be done but the reality is that individuals who are low on capacity, time, comprehension or interest can use AI poorly and pass off products that are not theirs as though they had completed them.  

 

As teachers, we need to look at the process of work, and consider the kinds of products that we are asking students to create, as well as identify what are the skills, connections and knowledge that we are looking for.  The truth is that if we ask students to “list 10 different examples of how Hamlet was a model for personal greed resulting in tragedy,” or “create a vocabulary list for 25 key terms related to photosynthesis with the definition and an example of each” generative AI can do that task very well in about 45 seconds. 


Before engaging students with the opportunity to use a generative AI platform, it is important to consider privacy and permissions of that platform.  It is also important to open the conversation wth your school administrator and your parent/guardian community. 

 

There is a draft parent letter that has been created and shared for teachers wishing to open the conversation.  Please feel free to copy this and make it yours in order to inform your community of your explorations. LINK here


Watch:

Code.org  “How Chatbots and Large Language Models Work” 7 min 20 sec, Aug 15, 2023 Suggested for grades 6 and up. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-AWdfSFCHQ 

This video explains the function behind generative AI.  There is some technical and mathematical language included which is a great entry to discuss more about AI.

 

Lessons:

Code.org “Chatbots and Large Language Models” (gr 6 and up)

45 min lesson including the video above.   

https://studio.code.org/s/how-ai-works-2023/lessons/4?viewAs=Instructor#activity-section-18308127 

This lesson supports students learning about AI, collaborating with a language model, building understanding of how AI LLMs work, and considering side effects of these models.

 

Suggested Generative AI Tools for Teachers:

The reality exists that AI tools are being created and monetized in order to help people simplify the repetitive tasks they engage in.  This landscape is changing daily and there are dozens of tools being created by teachers and for teachers. 

 

Some AI platforms that can be helpful for teachers are:

ChatGPT - free and limited with 3.5.  Requires login and for users over 18 (parental consent 13 - 18)

Diffit- free with Google account.  Transform articles to text and questions for different readers.

Perplexity - free with Google account.  Chat-based search with sources

MagicSchool- free with Google account.  Create anything for teachers. 

View this slide collection which shares more teaching about AI and also includes suggestions and information for teachers about using AI as a teacher's assistant.


Suggested Generative AI Tools to Explore with Learners:

These tools are suggested for students to use in exploring Generative AI as they:

1 - do not include advertisements,

2 - do not require any student login,

3 - offer an age-appropriate entry point to exploring generative AI. 

ScribbleDiffusion

Goblin.Tools

Canva (MagicDraw) but it does require login within SD73 account

 AI and Academic Integrity 

- Isn't using AI cheating?

- What should I do when students use AI?

- What can responsible use of AI look like?

 

AI isn't perfect nor infallible.  AI will make mistakes to make up the answer when needed, and isn't always right.  Additionally, AI can amplify bias that exists within its data or training.  It is important to be pro-active in the conversation of generative AI with your students and establish expectations and discuss academic integrity with your students, within your assignment criteria and to come back to that conversation throughout your work with students. 

Using AI when it has not been allowed and, as a direct copy and paste without pre-reading or editing and making sure that it fits, AND, without citing that AI has been used IS cheating.  However, there is a scale of mis-representation.  It is suggested to have a clear conversation and outline of how AI can be used in student work and also how to cite it. 

Here is an example of a student-contract for use of AI 

Here is a draft parent letter about AI


If you determine that you suspect a student of mis-using AI in their work, there are four suggested steps to follow.

1. Conversation 1:1 about generative AI

2. Point out elements in the work that are unexpected or surprising.

3. Ask directly if AI was used and how?

4. Address the importance of academic integrity and misuse of AI, discuss the creative process and course goals. 

5. Review the AP of Academic Integrity - SD73 AP 360.2


The world of generative AI is getting to be so sophisticated that there aren’t any 100% AI-generated detectors. 

You can copy and paste student work into: https://gptzero.me/ (can create an account or access for free)

This source offers to detect AI in the work, and also to make it undetectable as AI: https://undetectable.ai/ 

 

It helps to have established criteria around AI use and academic integrity - SD73 AP 360.2

You can use "draftback" in Google Slides or Google Docs to see a timelapse of version history.


Responsible use of AI adheres to the terms of use of the platform with respect to age and potential district approval of use. 

Responsible use of AI is 1 - transparent in the inclusion of AI in the process of the product and 2 - cites AI in the work.


Read:

https://theconversation.com/ai-generated-misinformation-3-teachable-skills-to-help-address-it-212232 


https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/chatgpt-and-beyond-how-to-handle-ai-in-schools


Lesson:

(Common Sense Media, “Chat GPT in School”) Recommended for grade 6 and up* 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/19sZxhKc0O2mAEIp8XX2600JgjOa3JSyqerfgZ3BXtgI/edit?usp=sharing 

*Common Sense Media shares this for users grade 3 and up, SD73 recommends for grade 6 and up.

ADST (Digital Literacy, Computer Studies, etc...)

Day of AI Lessons for Early Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School and High School as well as High School Computer Science (pw adalovelace)

https://www.dayofai.org/ 

These resources are fantastic and offer an entry point for all teachers (K-12 and specifically with tech or without).  They are hands-on and offer detailed lesson plans about how to incorporate digital skills and guide great conversations about AI and the impacts for many perspectives. Some of them have been included in SD73-created resources seen below, and others pulled out and highlighted below.

 

Dance Party with AI (gr 3 - 12) 

https://studio.code.org/s/dance-ai-2023/lessons/1/levels/1

Fun and interactive, block coding to use AI and create your own dance party 

 

AI for Oceans (gr 3 - 12)

https://studio.code.org/s/oceans?viewAs=Instructor 

Fun and interactive, train an AI through Machine Learning and a video series to keep trash out of the ocean.


Hands on AI Projects for the Classroom (gr 4 - 12)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13KAcok1WpV8UztVtrAJKnPRPX7tCSYr-/view 

Four projects for students to engage in learning about AI to create different products: an AI expert guessing game, design an AI agent, explore AI and Art, look at AI-powered vs. human translators.

 

Introduction to Machine Learning - Natural Language Processing (gr 4 - 6)

https://pinnguaq.com/learn/introduction-to-machine-learning-natural-language-processing/

Students learn about natural language processing (NLP) and how it works. They also learn to apply the rules of NLP to a text, how computers identify tag words, and how voice-generated technology impacts many aspects of daily life. 

 

DayofAI.org: “Game AI and Reinforcement Learning” (block coding version, pw adalovelace) (gr 6 - 8)

https://www.dayofai.org/teacher-pages/game-ai

Four lesson series.  Reinforcement learning is a powerful AI tool that lets us train machines to do all kinds of tasks, from predicting the best crops to grow to figuring out chess strategies, to beating you in a video game! In this module, students will use Scratch to build a scroller game, then add opponents to challenge the player. 

 

ChatGPT in School (gr 6 - 12)

https://www.dayofai.org/teacher-pages/chatgpt-in-school (pw adalovelace) 

Learn about the creative process, learn about how ChatGPT works, explore what is good or bad about ChatGPT.  Use of ChatGPT happens through a teacher account with the teacher modeling use.   

 

AI Literacy Lessons (gr 6 - 12)

https://www.commonsense.org/education/collections/ai-literacy-lessons-for-grades-6-12 

 

Machine Learning, App Lab and AI (gr 6 - 12)

https://studio.code.org/s/aiml-2023?viewAs=Instructor

How to program computers to make decisions developing machine learning with tabular data. 

 

Teachable Machine - Image Recognition (gr 7/8)

https://pinnguaq.com/learn/teachable-machine-image-recognition/

Students learn how computers can process and categorize images. They program and train a computer to recognize certain images and teach it to play Rock, Paper, Scissors.

 

Fake Voices vs Deep Fakes (gr 9)

https://pinnguaq.com/learn/fake-voices-versus-deepfakes/

Students explore deepfakes and create a fake voices app using the MIT App Inventor. 

Learners also explore how deepfakes can pose a threat to online safety and privacy, and how they can have an impact on not only our daily lives but also other areas like commerce, history, crime, and pop culture.

 

AI and Social Media (pw adalovelace) (gr 9 - 12)

https://www.dayofai.org/teacher-pages/ai-and-social-media 

Students will develop a basic understanding of what AI is and how it works in recommender systems - what data it looks at, and how it chooses to filter content for us. Students will learn about “clustering” and use a clustering application to create their own recommendation system. From there, students will look at different forms of misinformation as well as its spread and explore the social implications of these filter decisions for us as individuals, and as a society. 

 

DayofAI.org “Data Science and Me” (coding version, pw adalovelace) (gr 9 - 12)

https://www.dayofai.org/teacher-pages/data-science-and-me-coding

Who has your data and how might they use it? 7-lesson series: Students will begin by learning the basics of Python, before exploring how data is collected, cleaned and aggregated into tabular datasets using Google Sheets. After dataset creation, students will return to using Python, where they learn how to aggregate data for analysis. Combining data analysis and art, students will then create Data Drawings. Finally, students will consider how data is captured about individuals by governmental and social technology systems, and then how they’d like data to express information about themselves. 

 

Code.org “Software Engineering and Computer Vision” (gr 9 - 12)

https://studio.code.org/s/csa-postap-se-and-computer-vision-2023 

This two-part module lets you explore pro-level tools like GitHub and GitHub Copilot and teaches you how to create your own computer vision program. You'll be solving real-world AI problems and tinkering with cutting-edge models, learning industry-standard practices along the way. This isn't just about understanding AI better - it's about sparking your creativity, improving your teamwork skills, and starting to build your own software development portfolio.

Art

AI and Art (gr 4 - 12)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13KAcok1WpV8UztVtrAJKnPRPX7tCSYr-/view  (Project 3)

In this project, students will examine the unique characteristics of various artistic styles and then see how an artificial neural network can be used to learn and apply stylistic elements in artwork.

 

Dance Party with AI (gr 3 - 12) 

https://studio.code.org/s/dance-ai-2023/lessons/1/levels/1

Fun and interactive, block coding to use AI and create your own dance party 

Career Ed

See AI and Real-World Applications for areas where AI is being used in society to support work in various fields.

 

Additional Career-related lessons can also be found within ADST/Digital Literacy.

 

Discover AI in Daily Life (gr 6 - 9)

https://applieddigitalskills.withgoogle.com/c/middle-and-high-school/en/discover-ai-in-daily-life/overview.html 

Learn artificial intelligence concepts using Quick, Draw!, AutoDraw, Google Translate, and Google Slides.

English Language Arts and Languages

Science Fiction and AI (English 12)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ozl2rQm4A4fTUcZD1VzpkiXXHvhkZzAwnXbg0bItXuE/edit

Explore British Classic and Contemporary Science Fiction literature focusing on Artificial Intelligence. 

 

Developing a Critical Eye (gr 8 - 12)

(Go to Project 2) https://drive.google.com/file/d/13M68k7MOaXQA7nq6rlBjI1xIZ2IzH27P/view 

Learn about several AI-supported tools that are used to create and/or distribute information (both reliable information and disinformation).

 

Laws for AI (gr 8 - 12)

(Go to Project 4) https://drive.google.com/file/d/13M68k7MOaXQA7nq6rlBjI1xIZ2IzH27P/view

Students will begin their exploration of ethics and technology by researching the attributes of an ethical business; learn about Asimov’s Laws for Robotics; explore the need for similar work in the field of AI today; and develop four original laws for AI.

 

Google's Applied Skills Lessons about Evaluating Online Sources of Information  LINK 

 

MIT Ethics Lesson Series (gr 6 - 10)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I0cCZq7WWOuj0YimAUYbi5DduMkqqzFoscR-SdlOHn0/edit 

Develop an understanding of AI systems and how it works.  Recognize AI in everyday life and develop reasoning skills about AI and its use.

 

Common Sense Media, AI Literacy Lessons, 8 lesson series, (gr 6 and up)

https://www.commonsense.org/education/collections/ai-literacy-lessons-for-grades-6-12 

“This collection of quick lessons (20 minutes or less!) provide an introduction to AI and help address its social and ethical impacts. Through these lessons, students will:

Lessons in this series will support teachers and students in moving through the process of learning about AI and considering many different elements including: How AI works, AI Chatbots, Privacy and Ethics, Bias, and more.

 

Read: How AI is Reshaping Language Revitalization 

https://pinnguaq.com/stories/transforming-through-tech/?mc_cid=b7c0431bcd&mc_eid=6af632646c 

Mathematics

Code.org  “How Chatbots and Large Language Models Work” 7 min 20 sec, Aug 15, 2023 (gr 6 and up) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-AWdfSFCHQ 

This video explains the function behind generative AI.  There is some technical and mathematical language included which is a great entry to discuss more about AI.  The focus here is on the real-world understanding and application of "probability".  

 

ChatGPT in School (gr 6 - 12)

https://www.dayofai.org/teacher-pages/chatgpt-in-school (pw adalovelace) 

Learn about the creative process, learn about how ChatGPT works, explore what is good or bad about ChatGPT.  Use of ChatGPT happens through a teacher account with the teacher modeling use.  The focus here is on the real-world understanding and application of "probability".  

Sciences

AI for Oceans (gr 3 - 12)

https://studio.code.org/s/oceans?viewAs=Instructor 

Fun and interactive, train an AI through Machine Learning and a video series to keep trash out of the ocean.

 

Middle School Science (gr 8 - 12)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1550432GcllKbcVD6IGixL-N00sBvnB1CKCSSDQfnUZY/edit

Explore and understand sensors and their applications within AI in the world of Science (animals and ecosystems, solar system, light and sound, kingdom plantae, geology and Earth Science and robotics). 

 

Using AI to Solve Environmental Problems (gr 8 - 12)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13M68k7MOaXQA7nq6rlBjI1xIZ2IzH27P/view (go to Project 3)

Students will try out an AI-powered application designed to address an environmental challenge, explore several AI projects aimed at sustainability and environmental protection, and propose an AI-powered solution to a local environmental problem they identify.

Social Sciences

MIT Ethics Lesson Series (gr 6 - 10)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I0cCZq7WWOuj0YimAUYbi5DduMkqqzFoscR-SdlOHn0/edit 

Develop an understanding of AI systems and how it works.  Recognize AI in everyday life and develop reasoning skills about AI and its use.

 

Common Sense Media, AI Literacy Lessons, 8 lesson series, (gr 6 - 12)

https://www.commonsense.org/education/collections/ai-literacy-lessons-for-grades-6-12 

“This collection of quick lessons (20 minutes or less!) provide an introduction to AI and help address its social and ethical impacts. Through these lessons, students will:

Lessons in this series will support teachers and students in moving through the process of learning about AI and considering many different elements including: How AI works, AI Chatbots, Privacy and Ethics, Bias, and more.

 

Laws for AI (gr 8 - 12)

(Go to Project 4) https://drive.google.com/file/d/13M68k7MOaXQA7nq6rlBjI1xIZ2IzH27P/view

Students will begin their exploration of ethics and technology by researching the attributes of an ethical business; learn about Asimov’s Laws for Robotics; explore the need for similar work in the field of AI today; and develop four original laws for AI.

 

Google's Applied Skills Lessons about Evaluating Online Sources of Information  LINK 

AI and Real-World Applications  

- What new jobs are being created with AI?

 - How can I use AI to explore concepts in X-class?

 - Is AI useful in the X-class?

 

Watch Code.org, “Ethics and AI: Privacy & the Future of Work” 3 min 26 sec, Dec 1, 2020.  Suggested for grades 5 and up.

https://youtu.be/zNxw5gJtHLc 

This video talks about advancements of AI and how humans and jobs are being impacted by those advancements.

 

Real-World Applications of Artificial Intelligence *generated by Perplexity.ai 

Automotive Technology

These applications demonstrate the significant impact of AI in revolutionizing the automotive industry, from manufacturing and design to vehicle safety, autonomous driving, and operational efficiency.AI's role in Automotive Technology continues to drive advancements in vehicle technology, safety, and manufacturing processes.

Language Studies

These applications demonstrate the significant impact of AI in Language Studies, offering innovative solutions to analyze, understand, and interact with human language across various domains.AI's role in Language Studies continues to evolve, driving advancements in linguistics, education, and communication.

Social Sciences

These applications demonstrate the significant impact of AI in social sciences, influencing various aspects of society, from marketing and social media to governance and public safety.AI's role in social sciences continues to evolve, offering innovative solutions and insights that drive positive changes in society.

Physical and Health Education

These applications demonstrate the significant impact of AI in advancing healthcare, medical research, and education, offering innovative solutions to improve patient care, medical training, and overall well-being.AI's role in physical and health education continues to evolve, driving positive changes in healthcare delivery and education.

Mathematics

These applications demonstrate the significant impact of AI in leveraging mathematical principles to solve complex problems across various domains, including finance, healthcare, agriculture, and space exploration.AI's role in mathematics continues to evolve, offering innovative solutions and insights that drive advancements in various fields.

Sciences

These applications demonstrate the significant impact of AI in advancing scientific research, improving healthcare, and addressing environmental and societal challenges.AI's role in science is diverse and continues to expand, offering innovative solutions to complex problems across various scientific domains.