How to Start Talking About AI with Students

Emma Pass
Sep 3, 2024
2 min read

As educators, I think we'd all agree that it is important to engage students in conversations about AI to help them understand its impact, possibilities, and ethical considerations.

Why Discuss AI with Students?

AI is shaping the future: AI technologies are transforming industries and society, making it crucial for students to grasp its fundamentals.
Critical thinking skills: Discussing AI encourages students to think critically about technology and its implications.
Ethical considerations: AI raises important ethical questions that students should be aware of and prepared to address.

How to Approach the Topic

I strongly believe that you do not have to be an expert in AI to begin talking with your students about AI (if that were the case, very few teachers would be qualififed). The best approach is through a collaborative exploration approach. This might feel tough! You are used to being a content expert on your subject! On knowing all the answers! Push through the discomfort and model for your students how you approach a subject you'd like to learn more about - and do it together!

Activities to Engage Students

Agree/Disagree: Use the "warm up" activity below to get your students thinking broadly about AI. Have them work individually to start, then have them move to corners of the classroom that correspond with the agree-disagree spectrum and talk to their classmates about why.

AI demonstrations: Show students demonstrations of how you might use AI technologies to make the concepts more tangible. (Or just do something silly and fun, like ask it to generate a "Would you Rather" game).
Debates: Organize debates on AI topics to encourage critical thinking and argumentation skills. (Using questions similar to the warm up above).
Projects: Assign projects that involve designing AI systems or exploring ethical dilemmas in AI development.

By talking to students about AI, we can help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to navigate a future where AI plays an increasingly significant role.

Ready for more? Check out my free Intro to AI lesson plan or Digital Citizenship n the Age of AI unit plan.

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