Ethical Use of AI Exploration

Approximate Total Time: 45–60 minutes

Summary:

This lesson introduces students to the ethical principles that guide responsible use of artificial intelligence. Through reflection, discussion, and collaborative rule-making, students examine real-world ethical issues such as privacy, misinformation, bias, fairness, and plagiarism. They then create their own class-generated ethical AI guidelines that promote respect, responsibility, and transparency in the use of technology. The activity builds foundational understanding of moral reasoning while fostering collaboration and digital citizenship.

Lesson Flow:

1. Introduction (10 minutes) – Students reflect on what it means to “do the right thing” and discuss the meaning of ethics.
2. Exploring Ethical Issues with AI (10–15 minutes) – View Ethics of AI: Challenges and Governance (UNESCO) and discuss examples of privacy, misinformation, explainability, bias, and plagiarism.
3. Learning Ethical Guidelines (10 minutes) – Compare and contrast global frameworks such as the EU AI Ethics Guidelines and UNESCO Recommendations.
4. Creating Ethical Rules for AI Use (20 minutes) – Students collaboratively draft a list of classroom AI use rules, applying ethical principles such as fairness, transparency, and respect for privacy.
5. Wrap-Up and Reflection (10 minutes) – Students discuss how these principles can apply to everyday technology use and complete a reflection activity.