This lesson focuses on developing students’ computer science and criticial thinking skills by addressing real-world problems through AI solutions. The lesson aligns with various learning standards, including the New Jersey Learning Standards-Computer Science and Design Thinking and the ISTE Standards for Students. Students will work in groups to research, design, and implement an AI solution to address an ethical issue, considering the perspectives of multiple stakeholders.

Standards:

New Jersey Learning Standards-Computer Science and Design Thinking (https://www.nj.gov/education/cccs/2020/2020%20NJSLS-CSDT.pdf)

• 8.1.8.AP.6: Refine a solution that meets users’ needs by incorporating feedback from team members and users.
• 8.1.8.AP.7: Design programs, incorporating existing code, media, and libraries, and give attribution.
• 8.2.8.ETW.3: Analyze the design of a product that negatively impacts the environment or society and develop possible solutions to lessen its impact.
• 8.2.8.ITH.5: Compare the impacts of a given technology on different societies, noting factors that may make a technology appropriate and sustainable in one society but not in another.
• 8.2.8.ITH.1: Explain how the development and use of technology influences economic, political, social, and cultural issues.
• 8.2.8.EC.1: Explain ethical issues that may arise from the use of new technologies.
• 8.2.8.EC.2: Examine the effects of ethical and unethical practices in product design and development.

ISTE: Students(https://www.iste.org/standards/iste-standards-for-students)

• 1.7.a Students use digital tools to connect with learners from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, engaging with them in ways that broaden mutual understanding and learning.
• 1.7.b Students use collaborative technologies to work with others, including peers, experts or community members, to examine issues and problems from multiple viewpoints.
• 1.7.c Students contribute constructively to project teams, assuming various roles and responsibilities to work effectively toward a common goal.
• 1.7.d Students explore local and global issues and use collaborative technologies to work with others to investigate solutions.
• 1.1.c Students use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves their practice and to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.
• 1.1.d Students understand the fundamental concepts of technology operations, demonstrate the ability to choose, use and troubleshoot current technologies and are able to transfer their knowledge to explore emerging technologies.

Goal:

• To create a solution that addresses the ethical issue and considers the perspectives of multiple stakeholders.

Role:

• Each member of the group has a role in a company that has developed an AI that is about to be shared with the public:
  • Project Manager:(only 1) responsible for overseeing the project, ensuring that the team stays on track and meeting deadlines, and communicating with other groups and the teacher.Lead Researcher: responsible for researching the ethical issue, gathering information on current solutions, and staying up-to-date on developments in the field of AI ethics.Ethicist: responsible for considering the ethical and societal implications of the solution and incorporating these considerations into the design and implementation of the solution.
  • Customer Relations: responsible for gathering the concerns of various stakeholders and ensuring that their perspectives are incorporated into the solution.

Audience:

• The target audience will be stakeholders (roleplaying classmates) impacted by AI solutions.

Situation:

• The group is tasked with researching a current ethical issue related to AI and developing a solution that considers multiple stakeholders’ perspectives.

Product/Performance:

• The group will present their solution to the class and demonstrate their understanding of the ethical implications of their AI, their research of ethics from other companies’ AI, and the conclusion.
• The group will present a PowerPoint with MLA citations.

Tools:

• Microsoft Whiteboard/Lucidchart/Miro for Mindmapping
• Microsoft PowerPoint/Canva for Presentation
• Microsoft Word/Canva for Docs
• Canva for Image Editing

Instructions:

1. Students will form groups of 4-5 students. Each group will identify a real-world problem and address it through AI.
2. Students will research to validate the situation and gather information on current AI solutions and their limitations.
3. Students will design an AI solution to address the problem and consider ethical and societal implications.
4. Students will implement the AI solution using real-world technologies that can be re-purposed to fit the logic for their solution.
5. Using a cloud-based collaboration tool for mind-mapping (e.g., Miro, Microsoft, Whiteboard) to discuss and show examples of possible technologies.
6. Using a cloud-based collaboration tool for writing(e.g., Microsoft Word), students will share their AI solution and progress with the rest of the class for feedback and discussion.
7. After receiving feedback, students will revise their AI solution as necessary.
8. Students will prepare a 7-minute presentation on their AI solution, including the problem it addresses, the design and implementation of the solution, and a discussion of the ethical and societal implications.
9. Students will present their AI solutions to the class and potential stakeholders.
10. Students will reflect on their experience developing the AI solution and how it has developed their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.