Artificial Intelligence and Ethics

This lesson introduces students to Artificial Intelligence through real-world decision-making scenarios, with a strong focus on understanding, analysis, and ethical evaluation. It is designed for secondary Computer Science / Informatics classes and follows a structured progression from core definitions to higher-level critical thinking.

Students first build secure foundational knowledge of what AI is and is not, including how machine learning systems use data, patterns, and probabilities rather than human understanding. The lesson then explores how AI systems are trained, how bias can arise from data, and the differences between supportive and automated decision systems. Everyday AI applications are used to anchor understanding.

A central case study on AI-based job applicant screening runs through the lesson and is used for structured analysis and perspective-taking. Students examine benefits, risks, stakeholders, and ethical concerns such as fairness, transparency, accountability, and data protection. Activities include individual judgement tasks, group role perspectives, and guided ethical evaluation.

The slide deck is fully self-contained and suitable for revision or absent students. It includes clear learning objectives aligned to three cognitive levels (knowledge, analysis, evaluation), scenario tasks, discussion prompts, and exam-style questions with model answers and mark guidance. It works well for a 45 to 90 minute lesson and fits units on AI, future technologies, or digital responsibility.