AI Ethics Debate

Approximate Total Time: 2-3 class periods (45–60 minutes each)

Prerequisites: Students should have completed the foundational unit lessons. 

Summary:

In this activity, students explore the ethical challenges and dilemmas surrounding artificial intelligence through a structured class debate. Working in stakeholder groups representing tech companies, governments, educators, and everyday users, students analyze real-world scenarios involving algorithmic bias, privacy, facial recognition, and the responsible use of AI. The debate encourages critical thinking, empathy, and evidence-based reasoning as students consider how innovation can coexist with fairness, safety, and social responsibility.

Lesson Flow:

• Introduction  – Introduce ethics in AI and key debate questions: What is AI? Why does it need ethics? What are ethics?
• Group Setup and Role Assignment  – Students are assigned stakeholder perspectives (tech companies, government, educators, and everyday users) and receive role cards to prepare their arguments.
• Research and Preparation  – Groups analyze real-world dilemmas (e.g., facial recognition in schools, AI in grading, or data privacy) and organize their evidence.
• Debate – Students present opening statements, respond to prompts, and engage in rebuttals while maintaining their assigned perspectives.
• Reflection  – Students reflect on persuasive arguments, shifting viewpoints, and lessons learned about ethical AI usage.

Video Tutorial