Artificial Intelligence

In today’s world a fundamental understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) is essential for everyone, regardless of their field of study or career aspirations. AI technologies are rapidly reshaping every aspect of our lives. Computers use machine learning to generate movies, images, music, and text using complex learning algorithms that require massive datasets. In this course, students will explore the history of artificial intelligence, learn how machines are programmed, trained, and learn, and consider the impact of AI on society.

The exploration of artificial intelligence begins with an initial unit that asks what is and isn’t AI and how computers see and communicate with the world. In the second unit, students discover how computers are programmed to make decisions and predictions through algorithms. In the next unit, students explore the fundamentals of how machines are trained in different ways and the vital role of data in that process. Students investigate neural networks and deep learning in the fourth unit. In the last unit, students will explore the importance of human-centered design, explore policies and criteria for ensuring responsible AI use, and consider the future with AI.

Throughout this course, students will utilize several interactive artificial intelligence simulation tools that illustrate AI concepts including MIT App Inventor and Scratch. Students will learn how generative and predictive AI works as they explore different examples of AI that serve various purposes including social, healthcare, commercial, educational, environmental, and financial purposes. Each week students will consider the potential benefits and harmful impacts of AI on our lives.

In the culminating final project, students will develop an AI prototype that will help them increase their knowledge or improve their skills. Students will select a tool and data to develop and train a machine learning model and explain ethical considerations in the design of the prototype.

In this standard-level course, students are expected to invest approximately 6 hours per week on their coursework. There are no prerequisites for this course; students do not need any prior programming experience.

Acknowledgements

This course contains an end-of-course proctored exam. Instructions for students to identify an appropriate adult proctor are included in the course lessons.

Course Objectives

Course Essential Questions:

What is artificial intelligence?
How are computers programmed, designed, and trained for artificial intelligence?
How does artificial intelligence impact our daily lives?
How should we determine the acceptable use of AI as technology continues to evolve?

Course Learning Objectives:

Describe the evolution of artificial intelligence.
Explain how programming, machine learning, and neural networks give rise to artificial intelligence.
Research and present current applications of artificial intelligence and their potential benefits and risks.
Evaluate the social and ethical impacts of artificial intelligence.
Identify criteria for responsible AI development and use.

Additional Requirements

Students will be directed to create their App Inventor account and download the necessary testing App or software during Week 1 of the course.

Students must have a Google account to use App Inventor.
Students must create an App Inventor account.
To test and run their Apps, students must download the MIT App Inventor Companion App and will need access to an Android or Apple iOS device, or Chromebook (2019 or later).
If a student does not have access to a mobile device, they may use a PC (Windows XP or newer) or Mac (IOS 10.10 or newer) machine for the Emulator Software.