Is AI new?

Originally published on March 21, 2024 | Last modified on November 20, 2024

Overview

In this lesson, students will watch an online video presenting the history of artificial intelligence, which goes back to the 1950s. They will also learn how current artificial intelligence technologies build on that history.

About AI
45 minutes

Created by Victor R. Lee
Adapted by Christine Bywater

Digital Materials

Objectives

After this experience, students will be able to

Trace AI’s history back several decades
Recognize AI started early for logic problem solving and now has evolved to involve simulated neural networks that work from data

Questions explored

When did AI first get invented?
How does modern AI rely on earlier AI research?

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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

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Created by Jessica Ann

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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