| MediaSmarts

Unpacking the Black Box: Explaining Algorithms and AI

In this lesson, students learn about algorithms and AI, how they work, how they impact our lives on the internet, and ethical considerations. The lesson begins with a class discussion on algorithms. Students will discuss how AIs reinforce real-world biases, the difficulties in identifying how AIs make decisions, what information algorithms use to make choices, and how that information impacts the types of decisions AIs make. Finally, students will demonstrate their knowledge by researching and designing an infographic on a field that uses algorithms to make decisions. This lesson aims to build critical thinking skills by examining how AI algorithms work, investigating the biases and impacts of AI decision-making, and reflecting on how the implications to their own lives.

Artificial intelligence, Internet & Mobile, Privacy

Happy Holidays

Best wishes from the MediaSmarts team

As 2014 comes to an end, we reflect on the busy and exciting year that’s just passed.

Creative, Connected and Collaborative: Media Literacy Week 2014 to focus on youth and social networking

Ottawa (May 7, 2014) - MediaSmarts and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) are pleased to announce that the theme for Canada’s ninth annual Media Literacy Week (November 3-7, 2014) will focus on the positive uses of social networking by young people.

Entrepreneurship

The Nova Scotia Entrepreneurship curriculum has numerous connections to media and digital literacy in the areas of digital ethics and technology.

Indigenous Education Overview

Indigenous education is the overarching incorporation of indigenous perspectives across Manitoba’s curriculum. Many curricular expectations in Manitoba Aboriginal Language and Studies courses relate to media and digital literacy. The following excerpt from Current Topics in First Nations, Metis and Inuit Studies (2011) detail how media and digital literacy have been integrated into the curriculum:

Outcome Chart - Nova Scotia - Information and Communication Technology 3

Digital Citizenship

Outcome 1: Students will be expected to demonstrate safe routines for using ICT responsibly, ensuring their own and others’ health and safety

Outcome 2: Students will be expected to use information and communication technology appropriately and responsibly, with teacher assistance, to address opportunities for the development of active local and global citizenship.

Outcome 3: Students will be expected to articulate the need to take care in providing personal information online, and share personal information only with teacher approval.