How to engage students in AI literacy conversations

Friday, April 19 marked the first National AI Literacy Day. The nationwide day of action presents an opportunity for students, parents, educators and communities to discuss the fundamental question, “What is AI?” and explore how to best prepare the next generation for an AI-driven future.

Introducing a new concept as big as artificial intelligence is often easier said than done. Educators and school administrators report struggling with how to teach, use and set guidelines around AI. Despite challenges, educators and education leaders largely recognize and express a need for AI content in schools. A recent survey conducted by The AI Education Project (aiEDU) found a strong desire for more AI-specific resources, with 80% of respondents saying they want more professional development for teachers and 75% supporting a curriculum that builds students' AI literacy.

While most educators do not have official AI policies or AI curriculum yet, they can still begin to engage their students around AI literacy. Here are four strategies to get started.

Demystify AI to excite students

Many students associate AI with Hollywood-driven ideas of robots and supercomputers, which often have negative or frightening connotations. Demystifying AI can help students get excited about its possibilities by grounding them in real-world examples that they encounter in their day-to-day lives, including virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa and content recommendations on streaming platforms like Netflix. 

aiEDU’s AI toolkits are comprehensive resources that introduce AI to students in an interactive, thought-provoking, and accessible manner. Start with the fundamentals and then move onto more complex topics.

Incorporate AI into existing curriculum

Though new AI classes and college majors are being created, AI can also be integrated into existing coursework and materials. Have students reflect critically on AI-generated information related to the class subject matter. Use tools like Magic School AI to generate personalized lesson plans or aiEDU’s Flex Plans for turnkey materials designed to spur student-led learning on AI. 

Encourage debate and critical thinking

While AI may be capable of writing a history essay, it can’t replace durable human skills, such as problem solving, creativity and critical thinking. Cultivate these skills in students by encouraging conversations about AI’s ethical concerns, biases and pitfalls. Empowering students with fundamental AI literacy skills helps them begin to think more deeply about new and emerging tools and prepares them to thrive in the future workplace.

Build your own AI knowledge and share your experiences

Educators who use and understand AI tools themselves will feel more confident teaching about them in the classroom. Share personal experiences and feelings with students to encourage them to explore tools on their own and discuss with their peers. Check out aiEDU’s accessible professional learning opportunities, which cover everything from AI fundamentals to its societal impacts.