Understanding artificial intelligence (AI) tools Lesson Plan

Grades: 6-12

Duration: 60 to 90 minutes, plus extension activities

Author: MediaSmarts and TELUS

Learning goals:

Key concepts/big ideas:

• Media are constructions: Algorithms do not “think” like people do; they make
  connections by finding patterns in data.
• Media have social and political implications: Careful steps need to be taken to make sure that algorithms are used fairly and ethically.
• Digital media have unanticipated audiences: Algorithms use our personal data to make decisions about us.
• Digital media experiences are shaped by the tools we use: What algorithms know (or think they know) about us can affect how we interact with them.
• Interactions through digital media have real impact: We need to think critically and act ethically when we’re using or interacting with algorithms.

Key questions:

• How do algorithms work?
• How can we tell if something was made with AI?
• How can we make sure that algorithms are used fairly?
• How can we control how algorithms use our personal information?
• What critical questions should we ask when using algorithms?
• How can we use algorithms fairly?

Misconceptions to correct:

• AI works like human intelligence, with agency and intention.
• Algorithms are always fair because they make their decisions based only on data.

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Disclaimer: TELUS Wise provides financial support to MediaSmarts. MediaSmarts does not endorse any commercial entity, product or service, and no endorsement is implied.