What is artificial intelligence and how does it work? (Upper secondary level)
Objective: This worksheet provides an in-depth understanding of the technical fundamentals and ethical implications of artificial intelligence at the upper secondary level. The aim is to go beyond mere application and understand the underlying mechanisms (such as neural networks and machine learning) and critically reflect on their social implications.
Content and methods: The content covers fundamental technical concepts of artificial intelligence such as machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks, the distinction between weak and strong AI, and the analysis of everyday digital applications according to criteria such as data volume, algorithms, and learning ability. This is supplemented by practical case studies on personalized learning systems and ethical and social issues such as bias, responsibility, and the impact on learning and creativity. The methods include technical term explanations, comparative classification tasks, scenario-based case analyses, multi-perspective role-plays from different points of interest, and stimulating discussion and position exercises in the classroom, in which learners justify and reflect on their attitudes.
Competencies:
- Technical expertise: Confident use of technical terms such as algorithms, training data, and artificial neurons.
- Analytical skills: Ability to identify the role of training data and bias in AI models.
- Ethical judgment: Reflection on data protection and discrimination risks.
- Discussion and argumentation skills: Ability to represent complex positions within a role-play and in a plenary discussion
Target group and level: From grade 10 onwards
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Target group and level
Grades 10-12
Subjects
What is artificial intelligence and how does it work? (Upper secondary level)
Definition of terms
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to systems that use algorithms and large amounts of data to perform tasks that normally require human cognitive abilities, such as learning, problem solving, pattern recognition, or language processing.
What is artificial intelligence, and is it really artificial intelligence?
Read through the information text and decide in the table whether it is artificial intelligence.
- Justify your answer using technical terms from the text.
Understanding Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines programmed to think and learn like humans. AI operates by processing vast amounts of data, identifying patterns, and making decisions based on those patterns. It encompasses several technologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics.
Machine learning, a subset of AI, involves algorithms that enable computers to learn from data. These algorithms identify patterns and make predictions or decisions without being explicitly programmed for specific tasks. For example, a machine learning model can be trained to recognize images by analyzing thousands of pictures and distinguishing features like shapes and colors.
Natural language processing (NLP) allows machines to understand and respond to human language. NLP is used in applications like voice recognition and chatbots, enabling machines to interpret spoken words, respond to questions, and even hold conversations.
Robotics is another aspect of AI, where automated machines perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks range from simple activities like vacuuming to more complex operations like surgery. Robots gather data from their environment, process it, and act accordingly, often improving their performance over time.
AI systems work through a cycle of data input, processing, and output. They require large data sets to learn and improve. This data is fed into the system, processed using algorithms, and results are produced as outputs, such as decisions or predictions. Feedback from the output can be used to refine the system, making it smarter and more accurate.
In summary, AI is a powerful technology that mimics human cognitive functions, making it capable of learning, understanding, and performing complex tasks. Its potential continues to expand, influencing various fields like healthcare, finance, and transportation.
| Application | AI? Yes | AI? No | Reason (Algorithm? Data? Learning?) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navigation system with traffic prediction | |||
| Calculator | |||
| Music streaming recommendations | |||
| Facial recognition on a smartphone |
Case study
Read the case study carefully and answer the following questions based on your acquired knowledge and your own assessment.
TaskMaster: An AI-Powered Educational Tool
EduTech Innovations is developing TaskMaster, an AI-driven app designed to assist students in planning and organizing their academic tasks. The app analyzes input data regarding subjects, deadlines, and student preferences to suggest optimal times for task completion, provide reminders, and prioritize assignments.
Led by AI developer Maria Chen and ethics committee member Nikhil Patel, TaskMaster aims to enhance students' productivity while adhering to privacy standards. User Sophie Müller, a student tester, provides feedback to refine the app's functionality and address initial discrepancies in scheduling recommendations.
Despite its potential, TaskMaster faces challenges such as biases in decision-making and occasional conflicts with extracurricular activities. Continuous improvements and user input are crucial for adapting the AI to diverse user needs, showcasing both the capabilities and challenges of integrating AI into educational settings.
Phase 1 – Role play: Understanding perspectives
Divide the classes into groups of 4.Each group represents a role.
- Group A – AI developer
- Group B – Ethics council
- Group C – User / Student & Teacher
- Group D – Company
Task: Discuss within your group for 5–7 minutes and note down at least three arguments from your perspective. Then discuss these in the plenary session and discuss your position.
Support: Each role card also contains three key questions that can help you.
AI Developer
Ethics Council Member
Company Representative
User
Your 3 arguments
Phase 2 – Position line in space
The room is now divided into three areas:
- Left side: Agreement ("Introduce AI")
- Right side: Disagreement ("Do not introduce AI")
- Middle: Undecided
The teacher reads out the statements one after the other.
Once all the statements have been read out, you position yourself in the room according to your personal opinion, not according to your role.
Rule:
Anyone who takes a position must justify it with at least one argument.
AI-powered educational tools can revolutionize how students manage their study schedules.
Relying on AI for task management may hinder students' ability to develop personal organizational skills.
Data privacy concerns are a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of AI in educational apps.
AI can adapt to individual learning styles more effectively than traditional teaching methods.
The biases in AI algorithms can lead to unfair prioritization of tasks for students.
Integrating AI in education could widen the gap between tech-savvy students and those less familiar with technology.
AI should be used as a supplementary tool rather than a primary method for student task management.
The ethical implications of AI data usage in educational apps require constant oversight.
By personalizing learning experiences, AI can increase student engagement and motivation.
The potential inaccuracies in AI suggestions can disrupt students' study plans and extracurricular activities.
Phase 3 – Reflection
Answer the following questions in writing.
Solution for teachers
| Application | AI? Yes | AI? No | Reason (Algorithm? Data? Learning?) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navigation system with traffic prediction | ☑ | ☐ | Uses algorithms to analyze data and predict traffic conditions. |
| Calculator | ☐ | ☑ | Performs predefined arithmetic operations without learning from data. |
| Music streaming recommendations | ☑ | ☐ | Uses machine learning algorithms to analyze user data and suggest songs. |
| Facial recognition on a smartphone | ☑ | ☐ | Uses algorithms to analyze facial features and learn over time. |
Group A – AI developer
AI systems can analyze large amounts of data through machine learning, thus making more accurate predictions than humans.
Through the use of deep learning, complex patterns can be recognized, such as in language or images, making many processes more efficient.
AI can automate routine tasks, thereby creating time for creative and more demanding activities.
Group B – Ethics Council
The use of AI carries the risk of discrimination if training data is biased or unbalanced.
The increasing collection of data poses a threat to privacy protection and requires clear legal regulations.
Decisions made by AI systems are often not transparent, making traceability and accountability difficult.
Group C – Users / Students & Teachers
AI can support individualized learning by analyzing learning progress and offering targeted assistance.
There is concern that too much reliance on AI can weaken independence and critical thinking.
Faulty or inaccurate AI results can lead to incorrect assessments or misunderstandings.
Group D – Companies
AI can optimize processes, thereby reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
Data-driven analyses can lead to better strategic decisions.
Companies bear a significant responsibility to deploy AI systems ethically and in compliance with the law.