Module Description
“Artificial Intelligence,” or “AI,” is suddenly everywhere, and so are opinions about it. This module provides a very brief introduction to AI and some of the controversy that surrounds it.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this module, you should
- Understand how the terms “artificial intelligence,” “generative artificial intelligence,” and “machine learning” are used in computing
- Be able to distinguish between the useful things AI can do and “AI Hype”
- Understand efforts to identify, categorize, and mitigate AI harms
- Understand what “responsible AI” might look like for both developers and users
Dates and Activities
Monday, March 2
Before class
- Read What is Artificial Intelligence.
- Read Cal Newport, “What Kind of Writer is ChatGPT?”.
- Read Walden, “The Ponds,” “Baker Farm,” “Higher Laws.”
- Reply to one of the comments in Walden posted by user “Flat HDT.” Has the AI rewrite of Thoreau improved the original? Why or why not? Have any important ideas been lost in the rewrite? Try to find a comment that hasn’t yet received a response, but if you can’t find one, be sure that you don’t simply repeat what a classmate has already said.
In class
- We’ll discuss artificial intelligence.
Class work: In your folder for 3-2, share a journal file for the day (.md extension) containing your notes from the day’s discussion.
Wednesday, March 4
Before class
- Read Deep Learning and Neural Networks.
- Read Alva Noë, “Rage Against the Machine”
- Read, Ted Underwood, “Liberally-educated students need to be more than consumers of AI”
In class
- We’ll continue our discussion of artificial intelligence and do some hands-on work with AI.
Class work: In your folder for 3-4, share a journal file for the day (.md extension) containing your notes from the day’s discussion.
Friday, March 6
Before class
- Read AI Hype, AI Harms, and Towards Responsible AI.
- Read Schneier and Sanders, “Can You Trust AI? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t”
In class
- We’ll continue our discussion and do more hands-on work with AI.
Class work: In your folder for 3-6, share a journal file for the day (.md extension) containing your notes from the day’s discussion and hands-on work.