Victor Oshmyan, a second-year student at Niwot High School, utilizes his mouse to interact with a vehicle directed at miniature pedestrians. Despite the initial oversight where the AI model failed to distinguish the pedestrians as human, Oshmyan intervenes just in time to prevent any mishap.
While demonstrating with a toy car and figurines, Oshmyan explains, “The AI system could detect the pedestrians, but it lacked the robustness to identify them as individuals, leading to the potential collision.” However, he showcases how the car promptly halts upon recognizing him as a real person, showcasing its programmed functionality.
Oshmyan is part of a pioneering group of students at the St. Vrain Valley School District’s Innovation Center in Longmont, delving into artificial intelligence through an after-school project team. These students not only explore the intricacies of AI but also contribute to product development for clients, earning compensation for their work. Their endeavors shed light on how AI comprehension can revolutionize education methodologies.
Evolution in Educational Approach
The emergence of artificial intelligence posed a challenge for Colorado’s educational institutions, with varying responses from different school districts. While some outright prohibited its use, others, like St. Vrain, embraced the opportunity to educate students about AI, recognizing its transformative potential.
Today’s teenagers exhibit a natural affinity towards AI, driven by its pervasive influence in their digital interactions. This stark contrast between their online exposure and restricted educational environment creates a cognitive dissonance, urging educators to bridge this gap effectively.
Oshmyan’s innovative programming with AutoAutoAI not only showcases his adeptness in configuring the car’s responses but also hints at the practical applications of AI in streamlining tasks like pizza ordering, potentially revolutionizing conventional processes.
Malcom Smith, Oshmyan’s peer, demonstrates a sophisticated AI classification system designed to swiftly identify intricate patterns, benefiting projects like Vex Robotics. By simplifying complex tasks for both students and teachers, Smith’s initiative underscores the practical advantages of integrating AI into educational settings.
Ethical Considerations and Student Perspectives
Marek Pearl, inclined towards robotics engineering, delves into an “Intro to AI” course to explore its ethical dimensions, envisioning its utility in everyday activities like email composition. Pearl’s approach exemplifies a balanced utilization of AI as a learning aid rather than a crutch, emphasizing personal research alongside AI-generated insights.
As students navigate the ethical maze of AI applications, concerns regarding plagiarism and artistic integrity surface. While some resort to AI for academic shortcuts, others, like Shaffer Piersol, leverage it for efficient studying methods like Quizlet, highlighting the dual nature of AI’s influence on student practices.
Nicholas Umpierrez’s experience underscores the importance of understanding AI’s limitations, as he seeks guidance from domain experts for precise information, steering clear of relying solely on AI-generated responses.
Educational Imperatives and Future Outlook
Joe McBreen, SVVSD’s assistant superintendent of innovation, advocates for a proactive approach towards AI integration in education, emphasizing the need to equip students with comprehensive AI literacy. By delineating between search engines and generative AI, schools can empower students to harness AI’s diverse capabilities effectively.
The evolving landscape of AI education necessitates adept educators capable of guiding students through AI’s multifaceted domains, as exemplified by St. Vrain’s initiatives in professional development and curriculum enhancement.
Rebecca Holmes, CEO of the Colorado Education Initiative, underscores the urgency in addressing equity gaps in AI education, advocating for inclusive AI policies and standardized training to ensure equitable access to AI competencies.
As AI permeates various facets of modern society, educators face the challenge of nurturing students’ AI proficiency while instilling ethical considerations and critical thinking skills essential for responsible AI utilization. By fostering a holistic approach to AI education, schools can empower students to navigate the complexities of AI with confidence and foresight.
