Computer Science
Grade 9
20 min
Ethics in AI
Ethics in AI
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define digital citizenship and explain its importance in the age of AI.
Identify at least three ethical responsibilities of an AI user and creator.
Explain the concept of a 'digital footprint' and how it is used as data to train AI systems.
Analyze a simple real-world scenario to identify potential AI bias and data privacy concerns.
By the end of a lesson, students will be able to differentiate between responsible and irresponsible use of generative AI tools for schoolwork and personal projects.
By the end of a lesson, students will be able to apply the THINK framework to evaluate their interactions with AI and other users online.
Ever used an AI to help with homework or create a funny picture? 🤔 Let's learn the 'rules of the road...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Digital CitizenshipThe set of norms and rules for using technology, including the internet and AI, in a responsible, ethical, and safe manner.A good digital citizen doesn't use an AI image generator to create fake, embarrassing pictures of a classmate. They respect others online, just like they would in person.
Digital FootprintThe trail of data you create and leave behind while using the internet and digital devices. AI systems often use this data for training.Every video you 'like', every search you make, and every place you check-in contributes to your digital footprint. An AI might use this to predict what products you want to buy.
AI BiasWhen an AI system's algorithms produce results that are systematically prejudiced or unfair to certain gro...
3
Core Syntax & Patterns
The THINK Framework
Before you post, share, or create with AI, ask: Is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind?
Use this as a checklist to guide your online actions. It helps you pause and consider the impact of your digital behavior, whether you're commenting on a post or generating content with AI.
The Data Minimization Principle
Share only the minimum amount of personal data necessary for a service to function.
When an app or website asks for permissions (like access to your location, contacts, or photos), question if it truly needs that information. This protects your data privacy.
The Attribution Rule
Acknowledge and cite the tools you use. If an AI helped you, say so.
Just as you cite a book or website, you must be transparent...
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A new AI-powered study app claims to create personalized quizzes. To sign up, it requires access to your school email, all your personal contacts, and real-time location tracking. Based on the tutorial's principles, what is the most critical evaluation of this situation?
A.This is acceptable, as more data allows the AI to create better quizzes.
B.This is a major privacy risk that violates the Data Minimization Principle; the app doesn't need contacts or real-time location to make quizzes.
C.This is only a problem if you fail the quizzes it generates.
D.This is a good example of the Attribution Rule, as the app is telling you what data it's using.
Challenging
A student argues, 'Using an AI to write my essay is just like using a calculator for math. It's a tool to get the right answer.' What is the strongest counter-argument based on the tutorial's ethical concepts?
A.Calculators are old technology, while AI is new, so the rules are different.
B.calculator performs a specific, objective calculation; an AI essay writer generates creative and subjective work, and submitting it as your own misrepresents your personal ability to think and write.
C.AI is more expensive than a calculator, so it's unfair to other students.
D.The AI might produce a factually incorrect essay, whereas a calculator is always right.
Challenging
If you were an AI creator, how could you adapt the THINK framework (True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind) to guide the ethical development of your AI?
A.The framework only applies to users, not creators.
B.Ensure the AI is trained on data that is TRUE and unbiased, that its purpose is HELPFUL, and that its outputs are designed to be KIND and not harmful.
C.Focus only on 'Necessary' by asking if the AI product is needed in the market to make a profit.
D.Use the framework to write the AI's marketing materials to make it sound inspiring.
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