LESSON TITLE: An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

LESSON AIM: To introduce the basics of Artificial Intelligence to vocational education students aged 16 years old.

INTRODUCTION: • Introduce the topic of Artificial Intelligence and explain what it is and why it has become increasingly important in recent years. • Explain the students may already be using AI and not realise it – for example in their home or on their phones. • Ask the students about any prior knowledge they already have about Artificial Intelligence. • Have a brainstorming activity to find out what interesting tasks AI can be used for. • Explain the main goals of AI and the different types (such as machine learning, natural language processing and computer vision).

LESSON OUTLINE: Activity 1: Introduction to AI • Introduce the basics of AI through a video, such as: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7XuAvNjyUE • Discuss the importance of AI in real world applications. • Explain the different subfields of AI, such as machine learning, natural language processing and computer vision. • Provide examples of AI applications for each subfield.

Activity 2: Understanding Machine Learning • Introduce the concept of machine learning, with a focus on supervised learning. • Explain different types of machine learning algorithms such as decision trees, support vector machines and neural networks. • Have the students complete an activity in which they are asked to classify objects using a decision tree. • Use the worksheet: https://www.dummies.com/education/computer-science/machine-learning/machine-learning-building-a-decision-tree/ to guide the activity.

Activity 3: AI Challenges • Introduce the students to some of the major challenges AI must overcome in order to become smarter. • Discuss the ethical and safety implications of using AI. • Explain different approaches to AI safety, such as making AI agents able to explain their reasoning, and designing algorithms which are risk averse. • Have the students work in small groups to generate ideas for how AI safety could be improved and discuss the implications of their ideas.

Questioning: • Use open-ended questions during the introduction and brainstorming activities to elicit the students’ prior knowledge on the subject. • In each activity, ask the students questions in order to check their understanding. • Encourage the students to ask questions during the lesson.

Assessment: • Observe the students during workspace activities and group discussions to monitor their understanding. • Ask the students to complete a worksheet at the end of the lesson which checks their understanding of AI concepts. • Evaluate their ideas for improving AI safety.

Differentiation: • Simplify the worksheet activity by reducing the number of questions. • Provide extra worksheets for students with a more advanced understanding of the topic.

Plenary: • Ask the students to summarise what they have learnt during the lesson. • Summarise the main learning points of the lesson. • Ask the students to reflect on how AI will influence the jobs they are being trained for. • Stress the importance of understanding the ethical implications of AI technology.