Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. It involves creating algorithms – a list of rules or steps – that are used by computers to analyse, understand, and respond to information.
While AI systems can process and analyse large amounts of data to recognise patterns and make predictions, they are not able to think and understand context like humans can.
AI has been around since the 1950s and has evolved over the decades, but has seen rapid and significant progress in recent years.
AI has been an established part of day-to-day tasks for some time. Virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant use AI to understand and respond to our voice commands; AI algorithms power recommendation systems on platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube; Social media platforms use AI algorithms to curate your newsfeed, showing you content based on your interests, engagement, and connections; and mapping systems like Google Maps use AI to provide real time traffic updates.
AI is evolving quickly, with new advancements and applications being developed that have the potential to impact on our lives. This brings opportunities, but also concerns about how to safely and ethically navigate the online world.
Can provide tailored responses
Can process vast amounts of data
Can help with generating ideas
Can improve efficiency
Can help research and innovation
Responses may be biased, inaccurate or harmful
Information requires checks
New challenges may emerge
Data privacy and security
Ethical concerns around its use
Artificial Intelligence systems and tools are already part of our everyday lives. As AI continues to evolve, it is important to be aware of the benefits and the risks it can have in teaching and learning.
This technology has the potential to transform education, so it is important for educators and students to understand how to ethically, critically and positively engage with AI in order to make the most of its potential. It’s important to note that AI can compliment, but not replace a teachers’ expertise. The human element a teacher brings to the classroom will still be crucial to fostering meaningful learning experiences.
The last 3 years have seen advances AI that make us again question what AI is, and ask what its impact will be on society, education, and the future of work.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT is a powerful artificial intelligence chatbot that can answer questions, hold text based conversations, and generate a response to user requests.
Snapchat’s My AI is described by Snapchat as an experimental, friendly, chatbot currently available to Snapchatters.
In this episode of Casting the Net, Emma from the Webwise Youth Panel spoke to Science and Technology journalist Elaine Burke.
Deepfakes are computer-created artificial videos in which images are combined to create new footage that depicts events, statements or action that never actually happened.
Have you noticed that when you go online or login to social media you are presented with content, news, articles or ads that somehow know the things that you are interested in?
This webinar delves into the increasingly prevalent role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our daily lives and its potential in education.
To raise awareness of the amount of time we spend on our digital devices and consider alternative ways to spend our time.
This lesson aims to raise awareness of the impact of facial recognition technology and its benefits and risks.
This module examines the responsible and ethical use of media and explores different types of misinformation. It aims to develop the critical thinking skills necessary to enable students to distinguish between false information and accurate and reliable information. Students will explore how to evaluate information online and recognise bias and prejudice online.
All Aboard for DigiTown – Activity 24: Understanding Facial Recognition
This activity will help 9 to 12 year-olds to understanding impact of artificial intelligence and importance of critical judgment about technical applications; recognising digital technology in everyday tools and objects; reflecting on social practices and conventions; analysing information and reasoning to express an opinion.
This module introduces students to the topic of big data and gives an opportunity to explore how the data economy works. It aims to explore how and why online companies use personal information, the benefits it can bring and critique the ethical use of this information for profit
Artificial Intelligence – 5 Considerations for Teachers
This useful infographic outlines some useful considerations for teachers in the use of AI.
Ethical Guidelines on the Use of AI and Data in Teaching and Learning for Educators
The European Commission has published guidelines to address how AI is used in schools, to support teachers and students in their teaching and learning, and to support administrative tasks in educational settings.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most transformative innovations of our time. While AI offers substantial benefits to individuals and society, it has major implications for privacy, ethics and security.
The ADAPT Centre offers a free modular workshop programme to help Transition Year (TY) students navigate the Age of AI successfully and safely.
A Digital Literacy intervention that will help in fostering critical conversations about technology, AI and their impacts. Developed by Tactical Tech’s youth initiative What the Future Wants, this learning experience equips educators, librarians and anyone working with youth aged 13-19 with a set of engaging and innovative digital literacy resources and methods that can be used in both formal and informal learning environments.
Worried about something you have seen online or concerned about your child? Childline and the National Parents Council Primary offer free advice and support service.
Childline is a support service for young people up to the age of 18.There is a 24hr telephone, online and mobile phone texting service.
The National Parents Council Primary enables and empowers parents to be effective partners in their children’s education.
Sometimes you might unwittingly stumble across illegal online content like child abuse imagery. Always remember: you can report it and get it removed using Hotline.ie.
Hotline.ie exists to combat the distribution and proliferation of illegal content, like child sexual
abuse content, in conjunction with police and Internet Industry