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The Ethics of AI: Right or Wrong?

Lesson Plan

Exploring AI Ethics

Students will critically analyze real-world AI ethics dilemmas through case studies and personal reflection, enabling them to form well-reasoned ethical stances.

This lesson deepens understanding of the ethical implications of AI, equipping students with critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills essential for navigating technology's societal impact.

Audience

11th Grade Student

Time

80 minutes

Approach

Individual exploration using guided case studies and reflective activities.

Materials

Exploring AI Ethics, Ethical Case Studies, Ethics Analysis, and Personal Ethical Reflection

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Context Setting

15 minutes

  • Provide an overview of AI technology's evolution and its rising ethical dilemmas.
  • Define key ethical concepts such as bias, accountability, and transparency.
  • Introduce lesson objectives and connect them to current events in AI.

Step 2

Case Study Analysis

30 minutes

  • Share the Ethical Case Studies slide-deck for class review.
  • Discuss each case and guide students in identifying the ethical dilemmas present.
  • Have students complete the Ethics Analysis to document observations and ethical considerations.

Step 3

Personal Ethical Reflection

20 minutes

  • Ask students to reflect individually on the discussed cases using the Personal Ethical Reflection activity.
  • Encourage writing a short summary of their personal ethical stance on AI impacts in current events.
  • Facilitate a brief discussion for sharing varied perspectives.
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Slide Deck

Case Study 1: AI in Healthcare

Description: A hospital uses AI to assist in diagnosis, but the system demonstrates bias towards certain demographics when recommending treatment.

Key Ethical Questions:

  • How do we balance innovation with fairness?
  • What measures can ensure accountability in AI diagnostics?

Introduce the case study by providing context on how AI is increasingly used in healthcare while also presenting challenges. Ask students to reflect on how bias may affect diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Case Study 2: AI and Surveillance

Description: City surveillance systems powered by AI have been implemented with minimal transparency on data collection and usage, raising privacy concerns.

Key Ethical Questions:

  • What are the limits to surveillance in a digital society?
  • How is transparency vital when employing AI in public safety?

Encourage discussion on privacy concerns and the importance of transparency in public surveillance. Ask students to consider how these systems could be regulated or improved.

Case Study 3: AI in Social Media

Description: Social media platforms use algorithms to curate content, which can both positively connect people and negatively create echo chambers or foster misinformation.

Key Ethical Questions:

  • How do these algorithms influence public opinion?
  • What is the responsibility of platforms in ensuring fair and unbiased content distribution?

Highlight both the constructive and potentially harmful impacts of AI on social media. Prompt students to think critically about algorithmic influence and its societal implications.

Case Study 4: AI in the Workplace

Description: AI systems that monitor employee productivity bring up concerns about privacy and the blurring of work-life boundaries.

Key Ethical Questions:

  • To what extent is employee monitoring acceptable?
  • How can companies use AI responsibly to respect personal privacy while enhancing productivity?

Discuss the balance between monitoring productivity and respecting employee privacy. Invite students to reflect on alternative methods that could mitigate privacy concerns while still measuring performance.

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Worksheet

Ethics Analysis Worksheet

This worksheet is designed to help you critically analyze the ethical dilemmas presented in the case studies discussed in class. As you work through each section, reflect on each case study, identify the key ethical issues, consider different perspectives and theories, and ultimately support your own ethical stance. Use the space provided to write your responses.

Case Study Reflection

For each of the following case studies:

  1. AI in Healthcare
  2. AI and Surveillance
  3. AI in Social Media
  4. AI in the Workplace

Answer the following questions:

1. What is the central ethical dilemma presented in this case?







2. What are the potential benefits and harms associated with the use of AI in this context?







3. Which ethical principles (e.g., fairness, accountability, transparency) are at stake?







4. How would you evaluate the actions of the stakeholders involved? Are there better alternatives?







Comparative Analysis

Reflect on the similarities and differences between the case studies:

1. Identify one ethical issue common to all case studies.







2. Describe how two of these case studies differ in terms of the ethical challenges they present.







Personal Ethical Position

Based on your analysis of the case studies and the ethical principles discussed:

1. What is your personal stance on the ethical use of AI in these contexts? Explain your reasoning.







2. Looking forward, what recommendations would you make to improve ethical practices in AI technology?







Remember, there are no right or wrong answers; the goal of this worksheet is to develop your critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills.

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Cool Down

Personal Ethical Reflection

In this cool-down activity, take a moment to step back and reflect on the ethical dilemmas we explored today related to AI technology. This is an opportunity for you to synthesize your thoughts, feelings, and insights about the issues discussed and form your own personal ethical stance.

Reflection Prompts

  1. What did you learn?





  2. How has your understanding of AI and ethics changed after today's discussion?





  3. What personal ethical stance do you feel drawn to now regarding the use of AI in society?





  4. What actions or changes do you think are necessary to ensure a fair and ethical application of AI technology in our communities?





Take your time to write down your thoughts. This reflection is personal and there is no right or wrong answer. Once you've written your reflections, feel free to share your thoughts with a partner or the class if you feel comfortable.

Remember: Your voice matters, and your perspective on these ethical issues is a crucial part of the conversation about AI in today's society.

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