Using Computational Thinking and AI Ethics to Analyze AI-based Discrimination : A Lesson Plan for Sociology Courses

• In Event: 20461 - Teaching and Learning Symposium Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table1: AI, Identity, and Ethics

Abstract

In this roundtable presentation, we will present a lesson plan that grew from a pedagogical seminar, Artificial Intelligence Across the Curriculum, which challenged faculty to develop discipline-specific activities and lesson plans. We developed this activity for students in introductory-level sociology courses but the concept can be adapted any sociology course, including upper level electives. This particular example would work particularly well for a Race and Ethnicity or Social Problems course. To prepare for this activity, students are introduced to the concepts of Computational Thinking (CT) which includes the following key steps:1) Decomposition, 2) Abstraction, 3) Pattern Recognition, and 4) Algorithmic Thinking. Students are also asked to complete a module on AI Ethics through IBMSkillsBuild, watch a video and complete a reading prior to the in class lesson. We will present and share the lesson, which includes individual and collaborative elements. As they complete the activity, students will apply CT and AI Ethics training to real world application of AI, be able to explain the basics of facial recognition technology, their real world applications, and identify common patterns of problems including error and bias. They will end with a discussion of the implications of the technology for individuals and their communities.

Given the proliferation of AI-based systems in nearly all areas of industry as well as the public sector, sociology students need to be prepared to assess and respond to the generative AI tools that they will encounter in the workplace. Having this introduction will help them respond to the social and ethical issues related to algorithmic bias and provide critical assessment and feedback.

Authors

• Rifat A. Salam, CUNY Borough of Manhattan Comm College

• Mohammad Azhar, BMCC, The City University of New York