About AI: on the spot mini lessons for teachers

Introduction

Welcome to our informative session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, specifically tailored for teachers. Today, we explore a series of mini-lessons designed to help educators understand AI and effectively introduce its concepts to students. Our excitement is palpable as we gather together, sharing knowledge and experiences that will enhance our classrooms.

Introducing AI to Educators

I am Cammy, an instructional coach from Alberta, where I've spent over 20 years teaching English Language Arts. My journey has led me to focus on technology integration, specifically AI, in educational settings. Joining me is Katie, who supports this initiative by providing valuable resources and insights. Together, we're excited to delve into the world of AI and its relevance in our teaching practices.

We want to express our gratitude to Microsoft for their generous support in organizing this workshop series, which aims to broaden our understanding of AI in education.

The Importance of Understanding AI

AI has evolved significantly since its inception in the 1950s. From basic sorting machines to complex generative AI models that create original content, it is crucial that educators grasp how AI operates. A solid foundation in AI concepts, including machine learning and deep learning, can empower teachers to guide their students in navigating this changing landscape.

The essential concepts include:

Bias: Understanding the biases inherent in AI due to the data it processes.
Hallucinations: Recognizing that AI may generate incorrect or fabricated information confidently.
Imagination and Creativity: Exploring the limitations of AI in producing truly original content.

Mini-Lessons Overview

1. AI and Bias

AI outputs are influenced by the inputs it was trained on, often reflecting the content available on the internet, which predominantly features Western perspectives. As educators, we need to be aware of whose voices may be missing from the conversation. Engaging students in discussions about these biases can help foster a more inclusive understanding of AI.

2. AI's Unimaginative Nature

Generative AI operates as a predictable machine that relies on patterns from existing data. By conducting interactive exercises, educators can demonstrate how similar prompts yield comparably similar outputs, highlighting AI’s limitations in creativity. Students can learn that just copying and pasting AI-generated work lacks originality.

3. AI Hallucinations

AI can confidently produce inaccurate information, leading to misinformation. Educators must teach students to remain skeptical and to verify facts, emphasizing the importance of source checking and lateral reading.

4. Privacy and Safety

With the use of AI tools, students must be reminded of data privacy—what information should never be shared in prompts, such as personal identifying information (PII).

5. Plagiarism and Copyright

Educators should guide students in using AI ethically. This involves understanding when to use AI, how to properly cite AI-generated content, and promoting original thought over mere replication of outputs.

Through these lessons, teachers can effectively incorporate AI education into their classrooms while preparing students with the skills to navigate this evolving field responsibly.

Wrapping Up

As we conclude this session, we encourage you to participate in further discussions and workshops on integrating AI in educational practices. Thank you for your engagement, enthusiasm, and commitment to learning alongside us today.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence
AI Bias
Hallucinations
Machine Learning
Creativity
Data Privacy
Plagiarism

FAQ

Q: Why is it important for teachers to understand AI?
A: Understanding AI prepares teachers to guide their students in using AI tools responsibly and ethically, ensuring a more informed approach to technology in education.

Q: How can educators teach students about AI bias?
A: Educators can engage students in discussions about whose voices may be underrepresented on the internet and illustrate this through practical exercises like image searches.

Q: What should students avoid sharing when using AI?
A: Students should avoid sharing personal identifying information (PII) such as names, birthdates, or any sensitive information when using AI tools.

Q: How can educators assess AI-generated content ethically?
A: Educators can require students to acknowledge AI use in their work and cite AI outputs correctly, encouraging original thought and integrity in student submissions.

Q: What limitations does AI have regarding creativity?
A: AI is limited in creativity, as it relies on learned data patterns and typically generates predictable outputs instead of truly original content.