Enhancing Student Understanding Through AI Education

Nicole Schofield's Grade 5 class explored AI literacy, addressing key issues of ethics, bias, and safety. Students moved beyond basic AI concepts to a deeper understanding of its impact on the world.

Initially, students could only name common AI examples like driverless cars, Alexa, Duolingo, and ChatGPT. However, they soon learned to explain AI's workings, differentiate between narrow and general AI, recognize biases, and understand its high energy consumption.

Schofield noted that students are at a stage where they are curious and open to learning about AI. Her AI literacy unit, comprising eight lessons, was supported by a Punahou Junior School Micro Teaching-and-Learning Grant.

Fifth grade is an ideal time for exploring AI as students delve into citizenship skills. The goal was to help them think about AI's presence in daily life and its ethical implications. For instance, when ChatGPT generated images of a teacher and a programmer, it highlighted AI's potential biases.

Schofield's students also utilized AI as a learning aid. She programmed Magic School, a generative AI platform, to act as a 'writing buddy,' assisting students in reflecting on their experiences at the Challenger Center Hawai‘i. Discussions also covered AI's energy use and accountability for its errors.