Students embrace a changing world in Intro to AI class
Grant Sample has often heard people worry that artificial intelligence ( AI ) is going to take over the world . Sample cautions , however , that that won ’ t happen unless “ we program it to .”
Among a variety of business and computer science courses that Sample teaches at Gateway High School , he teaches a Introduction to Artificial Intelligence class , which seeks to teach students what AI is and isn ’ t , and how to leverage it , among other things . The course is a great example of a district-wide initiative to adjust its curriculum and classes to prepare students for an everchanging world .
“ My goal in teaching the course is to demystify what AI is . It ’ s computer science compiled with lots and lots of data to make predictions ,” said Sample .
“ Administration felt it was necessary to introduce students to artificial intelligence and expose them to it because it is at the forefront of everything . We see it on the news constantly and throughout the world we live in .”
Sample has taught in the district for 20 years , and enthusiastically took over the Intro to AI class three years ago , when he moved from teaching middle school to high school .
Beyond the class , Gateway has fully embraced AI ’ s growing role in education . Troy Ulewicz , the district ’ s technology coach , has helped staff become familiar with popular AI tools such as ChatGPT , Microsoft CoPilot , Adobe Express , and MagicSchool AI . As such , many of the district ’ s educators are harnessing AI to design more engaging lessons , differentiate instruction , streamline daily tasks , and enhance overall efficiency .
Further , Ulewicz is just one of 20 regional public K-12 educators who were selected to participate in the Allegheny Intermediate Unit ’ s Artificial Intelligence Fellows program , which features hands-on exercises and discussions that span from practical applications of AI to testing its boundaries .
“ That ’ s a department goal , to expose the kids to all of the things that are out there . And throughout business and instructional technology , these are real world applications that the kids are going to use . Whether or not they go into the field , they ’ re going to use some of those skills ,” said Sample .
“ Gateway ’ s electives in general are phenomenal . It gives them insight into jobs like ‘ oh , that ’ s what that is . I kind of like that ’ or ‘ that ’ s what that is , I never want to do that again ’. So it gives them choices later in life when they ’ re deciding , whether it ’ s post-secondary school or opening their own business or going into the workforce . Whatever their future holds , it ’ s all about exposure .”
Sample said the course starts out with giving students a basic understanding of AI , likening it to what students have in their homes , Alexa , and what they experience daily – like their cell phones unlocking with face recognition . The course transitions into teaching students what AI is and isn ’ t , and then looks into sensors , and how AI is programmed and taught using them , along with loads of data to accurately respond . Later on , the class will move ateway
GATEWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT
26 MONROEVILLE