Algorithmic Awareness: Conversations with Young Canadians about Artificial Intelligence and Privacy

This blog was written by Samantha McAleese and three youth participants – Sahil, Erin, and Kate (pseudonyms used to maintain anonymity).

Reflections on Conducting Qualitative Research During a Pandemic

What comes to mind when you hear the word algorithm? Can you explain how machine learning works? Do you have any privacy or data collection concerns regarding the increased reliance on artificial intelligence? These are just a few of the questions that we asked young people in our recent qualitative research project Algorithmic Awareness: Conversations with Young Canadians about Artificial Intelligence and Privacy. From November 2020 to January 2021, we facilitated eight focus groups with 22 youth ages 13 to 17, where we combined game-based learning with discussion and reflection to gain insight into how young Canadians understand the relationship between artificial intelligence, algorithms, and privacy.

Internet & Mobile, Privacy

Outcome Chart - Nova Scotia - English Language Arts Grade 5

Overall Expectations: Listening and Speaking

  • Learners will communicate effectively and clearly respecting cultural contexts.

Specific Expectations:

  • Explain ideas and opinions with supporting details, and respond to others’ questions and ideas.

Outcome Chart - Manitoba - English Language Arts 3

This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the Manitoba, Grade 3 English Language Arts curriculum, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.

Outcome Chart - Manitoba - English Language Arts 4

This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the Manitoba, Grade 4 English Language Arts curriculum, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.

Outcome Chart - Manitoba - English Language Arts 5

This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the Manitoba, Grade 5 English Language Arts curriculum, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.

Outcome Chart - Manitoba - Information Technology Literacy K-4

This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the Manitoba, Information Technology Literacy Continuum (Exploratory: K-4), with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.

Outcome Chart - Newfoundland and Labrador - English Language Arts Grade 5

Outcome Chart - Newfoundland and Labrador - English Language Arts Grade 5

Outcome Chart - Newfoundland and Labrador - English Language Arts Grade 4

Speaking and Listening

Overall Expectations

GCO 1: Students will speak and listen to explore, clarify, extend and reflect on their thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences

Specific Expectations

1.1 discuss personal experiences with supporting detail
1.2 use active listening strategies for a variety of purposes
1.3 use various types of questions to explore information and ideas
1.5 reflect upon a variety of oral texts to share personal perspectives

MediaSmarts Resources

Outcome Chart – Nunavut - ELA 9

Strand: Uqausiliriniq

Overall Expectations: 

1. listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to access and explore prior knowledge and experiences of self and others.

Specific Expectations: 

1.1.1 Listen critically and integrate others' interpretations and understandings to develop personal understandings

1.1.2 Compare preferences for texts and genres by particular writers, artists, storytellers, and film makers, through discussions with peers

Outcome Chart - British Columbia - Career Education 4-5

This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the BC Career Education 4-5 curriculum, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.