Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Ethics, January 2024, Romania

On the 30th of January, our international volunteers led a class at a local high school in Constanța, diving into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its ethical dimensions. The initiative aimed not only to introduce students to the intricacies of AI but also to foster critical thinking around its societal impacts and ethical considerations.

The session kicked off with a warm welcome and an icebreaker activity, allowing volunteers to gauge students’ existing knowledge and interests in technology. The volunteers elucidated the essence of AI, beginning with a definition and examples illustrating its pervasive presence in modern life. Advantages such as efficiency, automation, and accessibility were juxtaposed with potential downsides, including job displacement, bias, and ethical implications.

Afterwards, ethical considerations took center stage as the discussion shifted towards copyright issues, data privacy, and algorithmic bias. Volunteers emphasized the importance of ethics in technology and engaged students by asking for their opinions.

Aiming to explore the vast opportunities within AI, volunteers showcased its applications across diverse domains such as healthcare, education, and entertainment. They also sparked enthusiasm about future careers in AI and related fields, encouraging students to view AI as a tool for innovation and problem-solving.

The aim of the workshop was to familiarize students with the practical use of AI, and the session culminated in an interactive RPG fantasy simulator. Through Mentimeter, students actively participated in shaping the narrative, customizing their characters, and making decisions that tested the AI’s responses. Volunteers facilitated the activity using a democratic approach, where students’ majority decisions influenced the AI’s actions within the game. Finally, we used an AI image creator to bring to life the result of the RPG fantasy simulator.

By the end of the class, students emerged with a deeper understanding of AI’s complexities and its implications for society. They were equipped not only with knowledge but also with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the ethical challenges of an increasingly AI-driven world.

Location: Constanta, România

Date: 30th January 2024