How is AI reshaping warfare?

Originally published on September 26, 2024 | Last modified on October 14, 2024

Overview

In this lesson, students will consider ethical dilemmas raised by the increasing use of AI in warfare. After listening to a podcast from the New York Times The Daily, about Ukraine’s use of emerging AI technologies in their war against Russia, students will develop their own positions about the ethics of AI warfare through discussion with peers.

AI & Social Studies
75 minutes

Created by Chris Mah

Digital Materials

Objectives

After this experience, students will be able to

Develop an argument about appropriate limits for using AI in warfare.
Defend their position using evidence and reasoning.
Consider multiple perspectives.

Questions explored

In this experience, students will consider

What limits should be applied to the use of AI in warfare?
What new ethical dilemmas does AI pose in warfare?

What is AI-generated misinformation?

AI chatbots and image generation models possess the remarkable ability to create digital content at a pace far surpassing human capabilities. However, AI models can also generate fabricated or deceptive materials. In this lesson, students are asked to consider: How can AI models be used to generate false information? How can AI-generated fakes be detected?

Created by Jon Ball, CRAFT Student Designer 2022-2023

Adapted by Chris Mah

AI or not AI?

This activity is designed to engage students in critical thinking about what constitutes artificial intelligence (AI). By sorting and categorizing everyday technologies, students will draw on their pre-existing knowledge to co-create a shared understanding of AI and its distinguishing features.

Created by Jessica Ann

How do I fact-check AI search results?

Studies consistently show that students are using AI chatbots and search engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity. But we know that AI makes mistakes. So, how do we teach students not to get fooled? In this lesson, we’ll introduce students to the skill of lateral reading (Wineburg & McGrew, 2017) as one approach to fact-checking the information they get from AI.

Created by Chris Mah