ETHOS • FALL 2022
where artificial intelligence makes it possible for machines to learn from experience, adjust to new data and perform human-like tasks. To adapt to this new complex system, we need to be able to identify the multitude of factors, perspectives, or interactions that might be associated with or contribute to particular outcomes. The context of the larger system is made up of networks of systems we can see as well as those we can’t (values, biases and decision-making rules that influence the way people think). Education plays a vital role in transitioning sustainably and peacefully into this new realm. A holistic educational approach is a necessity to be able to focus on the constituent parts that interrelate and define how systems will work over time. Preparing our youth for the age of AI requires enhancing a schoolwide curriculum where incorporating artificial intelligence goes beyond our technology classes, where it belongs academically, but rather permeates the skills, concepts, and dispositions of AI in all other academic areas across our school in every grade (from K-12) and every discipline (math, science, history, art, literature, physical education, foreign language, social studies, psychology, and so on).
Preparing Students For The Age Of ΑΙ our world transforms and machines become more inRequires Enhancing Astelligent, we must redefine our humanity and existence to include relationships with intelligent machines and each The Schoolwide other. Defining the guidance that we need to provide huis the role of today’s educational institutions, more Curriculum To mans importantly, K-12 institutions where children are defining identity, character, and fundamental way of being. Include Both their Empowering students for the future goes beyond helping Artificial Intelligence them develop skill sets, but rather a way of thinking. January 2020, I developed and led a framework to inAnd Conscious Integrate Artificial Intelligence and Conscious Citizenship (AICC) across our schoolwide curriculum so that we may Citizenship empower our students to increase their human intelliby Carla Tanas, Dean of the Institute
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rtificial Intelligence (AI) has progressed rapidly, and the future is arriving faster than expected predictions. AI has become an integral part of our lives, and it is time to prepare for the age of AI by investing in education and training. AI has many advantages: minimizing human error, reducing risk-taking on humans, around-the-clock availability, help in ordaining jobs, digital assistance, and faster decision-making. AI may even have a
lower error rate than humans if coded accurately. The best examples of AI in daily life could be seen in agriculture, finance, healthcare, navigation, criminal justice, and security, to name a few. Yet, AI does pose future threats, including invasion of privacy, autonomous weapons, loss of human jobs, and AI terrorism. It remains up to us to choose how to upgrade our skills and knowledge and be part of a world
gence, including mindfulness, creativity, and interconnectedness, so they are prepared to engage with, manage and lead tomorrow’s advances and innovation for the good of humanity to improve life and living on the planet.
To bring this framework from an idea into a schoolwide reality, a think tank and implementation team were both created to include administration, faculty, and staff members1 who, as a team, worked hard to create a new holistic way of thinking within the school. Beginning with the basics of defining our meaning of Artificial Intelligence and Conscious Citizenship that represented our vision at ACS Athens, we concluded that: Artificial Intelligence (AI)” is a human-like intelligence demonstrated by machines, and Conscious Citizenship (CC) is one who places value on being fully human while connecting with a higher purpose; one who values human life and the relationship with all living things, and takes responsibility for transforming skill into action, through ethical decision making, to ultimately improve life and living on the planet.