Empowering the next generation with the Day of AI

The annual day of AI, which just celebrated its second year on 18 May 2023, aims to introduce artificial intelligence literacy to classrooms all over the world. A global initiative, the Day of AI is developed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and adapted locally by the University of New South Wales, CSIRO and CS in Schools.  

It features world-first AI content for school students from kindergarten through to year 12 that includes modules on what AI is and isn’t, how to create it and most importantly, how to use it ethically. It offers an opportunity for teachers to introduce K-12 students to the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a world that will be powered by AI.

The UNSW School of Computer Science and Engineering developed a module on Ethics in AI, aiming to raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding of the ethical implications of AI technologies. The CSE team was led by Dr Jake Renzella, and Philip Quadrio developed most of the materials.

The developed module offered an Australianised look at AI ethics and the risks involved, with hands on activities for year 5/6, year 7/8 and year 9/10. A deep fake video of Professor Toby Walsh was created to visualise what is possible with AI and to showcase some of the ethical issues the technology poses.

“In our second year of running Day of AI, we’ve seen double the number of registrations from educators around the world who want to teach this curriculum to their students,” said Professor Cynthia Breazeal, director of the Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education (RAISE) initiative at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in an interview with Education Week.

“And it’s not surprising — it’s been a year of extraordinary advancements in AI, and with that comes necessary conversations and concerns about who and what this technology is for. With our Day of AI events, we want to celebrate the teachers and students who are putting in the work to make sure that AI is for everyone,” said Prof. Breazeal.

“In Australia over 550 schools and 100,000 students registered for the Day of AI. That means the program is reaching approximately 5% of all Australian schools, making it the most successful program globally,” says Roly Clifton-Bligh, member of the Foundation Team at TDM Growth Partners, which led the Day of AI in Australia.

“The lessons aim to engage and enthral students while creating a genuine pathway to future career opportunities to address the severe skills shortage Australia is facing in the Digitech sector,” said Clifton-Bligh.