Broadening K-12 Students’ Perception on Artificial Intelligence

As parents, teachers, and school educators, we have the ability to give our children and students the extra push. Exposing them to new perspectives and ideas gives them the opportunity to individualize themselves and see the world through a unique lens. Among the many elements brought to attention at Renton Prep, is artificial intelligence. We believe that AI has many capabilities. And the better our students understand it, the more it can be improved. How can we boost young people to comprehend artificial intelligence, and what should they already know about it?

How Significant Is AI?

Academically, AI plays a significant role. There are tools that incorporate artificial intelligence to dismiss the traditional and modern way of teaching. For example, machine learning algorithms are currently assisting teachers and revealing which subjects students struggle with most. In terms of the workforce, AI serves an even greater role; which is why we need to prepare students to practice it. According to a Gartner report, one in five workers will have some form of artificial intelligence as a co-worker. To put that into perspective, the majority of today’s K-12 students will dwell in a workforce that implements AI.

What Should Students Know?

Both machine learning and artificial intelligence are applicable learning components, although some tend to mix them up. How can you distinguish between the two?

• Machine Learning: Process by which a computer can learn a skill.
• Artificial Intelligence: A computer’s ability to think for itself without human programming.

We use AI all day everyday. Additionally, artificial intelligence is progressing at a very fast rate. According to a 2013 survey, AI experts assume that there will be a 50/50 chance that human-level artificial intelligence will arrive in 2040. This is why it is so important to include AI in schools today.

Machines Can Process Human Interaction

Through sensors such as the microphone or camera, computers are able to process human interaction and pick up information. Overall, computers are built on data representations and students should be able to understand basic data structures and program algorithms. But, unless we as teachers and educators implement those strategies, our students will never learn. For that reason, it is our responsibility to continue learning and share new observations in our classrooms.

Varying Effects of AI

While artificial intelligence has its benefits, factors such as ethical considerations could harm society if not properly approached. To be able to use and understand AI, one needs to be aware of the social implications it may have. Soon, machines and technology will make decisions for humans and affect the way we carry information.

AI at Renton Prep

At Renton Prep we expose our students to skills and competent learning techniques that are AI-centered. Our mission through AI is to engage our students in as many collaborative activities to develop their design thinking skills and prepare them for the future. To learn more information about our school, visit our website or contact us today!