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AI & Your College Mind

Lesson Plan

AI & Your College Mind Lesson Plan

Students will learn to critically evaluate how AI can support their mental well-being in college, identify potential risks, and develop strategies for healthy AI integration.

The transition to college can be stressful. Understanding how to thoughtfully use AI tools for mental health support can provide students with valuable resources and coping mechanisms, helping them navigate new challenges effectively.

Audience

12th Grade Students

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, guided reflection, and practical application.

Materials

Whiteboard or Projector, Warm-Up Activity: AI Check-In, Slide Deck: AI & Your College Mind, Discussion Questions: AI for Mental Wellness, Journal Prompt: My AI Mental Health Plan, and Cool-Down Activity: AI Reflection Ticket

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up

10 minutes

Step 2

Exploring AI for Mental Wellness

20 minutes

  • Present information on the benefits and risks of AI in mental health using the Slide Deck: AI & Your College Mind (Slides 3-6).
    - Engage students in a guided discussion using the Discussion Questions: AI for Mental Wellness to explore different perspectives and scenarios, including the importance of critically evaluating information and seeking credible sources like peer-reviewed research or professional advice.
    - Encourage students to share personal reflections while maintaining a respectful and safe environment.

Step 3

Developing a Personal AI Mental Health Plan

20 minutes

  • Introduce the concept of a personal AI mental health plan.
    - Guide students through the Journal Prompt: My AI Mental Health Plan, allowing time for individual reflection and writing.
    - Circulate and provide support or answer questions as students work on their plans.

Step 4

Conclusion & Reflection

10 minutes

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Slide Deck

AI & Your College Mind: Your Mental Health Toolkit

Welcome, Future College Students!
- Navigating College Life
- The Role of Mental Well-being
- How does AI fit in?

Welcome students and introduce the topic of AI and mental health in the context of college. Explain that this session will explore how AI can be a tool, both helpful and potentially harmful, in managing mental well-being during their college transition.

Today's Mission: AI for a Healthier You

  • Critically evaluate AI for mental health support.
    - Identify both benefits and risks.
    - Develop strategies for healthy AI integration.

Briefly state the objectives for today's lesson. Ensure students understand what they will gain from this session.

AI: Your Digital Ally for Mental Wellness?

How can AI support your mental health?
- Accessibility: 24/7 support, no appointments needed
- Personalization: Tailored coping strategies, guided meditations
- Anonymity: Comfort in discussing sensitive topics without judgment
- Early Detection: Pattern recognition for potential issues

Introduce the positive aspects of AI in mental health. Prompt students to think about how these tools might be useful for them personally.

What Kinds of AI Tools Are Out There?

  • Chatbots: Woebot, Replika (for journaling, mood tracking)
    - Wellness Apps: Calm, Headspace (AI-powered recommendations)
    - Wearable Tech: Smartwatches tracking sleep and stress
    - Online Support Forums: AI moderation and resource suggestions

Provide examples of AI tools students might encounter or use. Emphasize variety and different applications.

Navigating the Pitfalls: When AI Goes Wrong

What are the potential risks?
- Privacy Concerns: Who sees your data?
- Misinformation/Bias: Is the advice always accurate or appropriate? Always cross-reference with credible sources and professional advice.
- Lack of Empathy: AI cannot replace human connection or professional help
- Over-reliance: Ignoring real-world coping mechanisms
- Algorithmic Echo Chambers: Reinforcing existing thoughts/feelings

Shift to the potential downsides and risks. Encourage critical thinking about data privacy, accuracy, and emotional depth. These points will lead into the discussion. Emphasize the importance of verifying information, especially for mental health, with credible sources like healthcare professionals or peer-reviewed research.

Finding the Balance: Smart AI Use

  • Use AI as a supplement, not a substitute
    - Prioritize human connection and professional support
    - Be mindful of data privacy settings
    - Cross-reference information
    - Develop a diverse mental health toolkit

Reinforce the importance of a balanced approach. Emphasize that AI is a tool, not a replacement for human interaction or professional help.

Your College Journey: Thoughtful Tech, Healthier You!

As you head to college, remember:
- AI can be a powerful support.
- Critical thinking is key.
- Your mental well-being matters most!
- Build a diverse and healthy support system.

Conclude the lesson by encouraging students to be thoughtful and strategic about how they incorporate AI into their college mental health strategy.

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Warm Up

AI Check-In: Your Digital Pulse

Welcome to today's session! Before we dive deep, let's take a quick

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Discussion

AI for Mental Wellness: Let's Talk It Out

Now that we've explored the landscape of AI and mental health, let's open up the conversation. Share your thoughts and engage with these questions.

## Discussion Questions

1. What are some specific scenarios where you think AI mental health tools could be incredibly helpful for a college student? Think about situations unique to university life.



2. On the flip side, what are the biggest concerns or risks you see with college students relying on AI for mental health support? How might these risks manifest?



3. Imagine a friend tells you they're using an AI chatbot for daily emotional support. What advice would you give them about its use, considering both the pros and cons?



4. How important is human connection (friends, family, therapists) to mental well-being, especially in a new environment like college? Can AI ever truly replace this?



5. What steps can you take personally to ensure a healthy and balanced approach to using AI tools for your mental health in college, while also prioritizing traditional support systems?



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