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Lesson 2

We will continue to consider the following question: What is artificial intelligence? We will compare our class definition to a definition from the Encyclopedia Britannica, adding information or ideas to our class definition. In addition, we will form groups to learn domain-specific terms as we prepare to read about artificial intelligence.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I use a variety of strategies to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words?

  • Can I use language and strategies to communicate the meaning of domain-specific jargon in a small-group setting?

Texts

Core

  • Digital Access
    • “Artificial Intelligence 101: Why It’s Different This Time,” Zoe Thomas and Eric Niiler, The Wall Street Journal, April 3, 2023
    • “Glossary of Artificial Intelligence Terms (From A to Z),” Rebecca Reynoso, G2.com, Inc., 2019
  • Unit Reader
    • Excerpt from “Artificial Intelligence,” B.J. Copeland, Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2019

Materials

Tools

Reference Guides

Question Sets

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Read – Write

We will read the Encyclopedia Britannica’s definition of artificial intelligence and compare it with our class definition from Lesson 1.

Look over the definition the class created for the term artificial intelligence in Lesson 1. Then, read the definition provided by the Encyclopedia Britannica. While reading, annotate the text in response to the following questions:

  1. What is similar between the two definitions?

  2. What information is new or different?

Activity 2: Discuss

We will discuss artificial intelligence using information gleaned from Lesson 1 and the definition read from the encyclopedia.

In a whole-class discussion, add additional information to the class definition of artificial intelligence.

Join a discussion group as directed by your teacher, and briefly review the new class definition.

Write down the class definition in your Vocabulary Journal.

Activity 3: Read – Discuss – Write

In groups, we will study and visually represent terms included in “Glossary Of Artificial Intelligence Terms (From A To Z).”

Step 1

For this activity, you will use your Vocabulary Journal, which you will maintain for the entire unit. You might use the Vocabulary in Context Tool for words you can decipher from the text; for others, you might use morphology to decipher the meaning, or a reference resource to check if your meaning is accurate. For some words, your teacher might present you with definitions.

In your group, define the vocabulary words your teacher assigned from the article "Glossary of Artificial Intelligence Terms (From A to Z)."

Discuss what the definitions mean. How would you define them in your own words? Complete additional research as necessary.

Write down the words and definitions in your Vocabulary Journal. For each word, identify the vocabulary strategy (e.g., context, morphology, reference resource) you used to determine its meaning.

Step 2

Create a visual for the words and definitions using PowerPoint, Google Slides, Google Docs, or a poster.

Make sure you follow the guidelines below:

  • Write the definitions in your own words. Synthesize your conversation about the words into a group definition.

  • Include pictures or drawings as visual representations of the words.

  • Include examples of the words in relation to AI.

Activity 4: Present – Write

We will present our group definitions to a new group and write down the definitions in our Vocabulary Journals.

Form groups in which everyone has different vocabulary words. Present your definitions and graphics. Answer any questions that arise.

Write down the definitions of the words presented in your Vocabulary Journal.

Activity 5: Read – Write

We will continue to understand key AI terminology and concepts by listening to the podcast episode “Artificial Intelligence 101: Why It’s Different This Time” and taking notes using the Attending to Details Tool as a class.

Step 1

Add the following term to your Vocabulary Journal:

  • IoT (Internet of things) - connecting the physical world to the Internet; IoT includes home appliances, door locks, thermostats, lighting, sleep monitors, security cameras, fitness bands, as well as sensors for traffic monitoring

Step 2

As a class, listen to "Artificial Intelligence 101: Why It’s Different This Time,” a podcast episode by The Wall Street Journal, in which host Zoe Thomas interviews science reporter Eric Niiler. As you listen, focus on the following guiding questions:

  1. What stands out as important in the information presented in this text?

  2. How do the ideas and information in the text relate to what you already think or know?

  3. What vocabulary do you recognize? What words are new to you?

  4. In describing “large language models,” Niiler says, “Remember, ChatGPT is not a knowledge model. It's a language model.” What does he mean by this?

Discuss your responses as a class.

Step 3

In groups, choose one of the questions below, and use an Attending to Details Tool to answer it.

  1. What inference can you make about the relationship between AI and business?

  2. What inference can you make about the relationship between AI and people?

Compare your observations with those of other groups. Why might there be differences?

Activity 6: Read – Write

For homework, we will continue our look into key terminology by listening to “Artificial Intelligence 101: Why It’s Different This Time” once again, taking notes in our Learning Logs.

For homework, listen to "Artificial Intelligence 101: Why It’s Different This Time” again, or finish listening to it.

Respond to the following questions:

  1. According to Niiler, what are some risks AI poses?

  2. How can such risks be addressed?

Write new or interesting words you encounter in your Vocabulary Journal.