Exploring the tech of the future: Half-year elective offers lessons about artificial intelligence

Nov. 13, 2024

By Rayan Yamout
Editor

It is easy to notice the presence of artificial intelligence. AI is built into GPS and mapping apps, search engines, social media feeds and streaming platforms. It can generate fully functional websites, help with schoolwork and produce art. 

Business and technology teacher Mrs. Orth said she proposed and offered to teach the Intro to AI class because of AI’s prominence in daily life. The half-year elective is open to all students and fulfills 2.5 of the five 21st Century Life and Careers credits required for graduation. LHS is running three sections of the course this year, with 64 students registered.

“AI is an explosion…. If we don’t start preparing students to utilize AI appropriately, we’re not really preparing them for life after high school,” Orth said. “You can’t turn around anywhere where there’s not AI.”

Orth said the diversity of AI’s functionalities allows it to be implemented in almost any career, making it crucial for students to use it properly. Students learn to do so with interactive assignments, in which they use AI apps and software to compose a song, create a poster, generate and write website content and more.

Orth said the greatest challenge of AI, from both a student’s and teacher’s perspective, is how quickly it is evolving.

“Even as I try to stay ahead of [AI], it’s impossible,” Orth said.

She said although AI is a useful tool, users need to know how to input information correctly to get the responses they are requesting.

“It’s hard for [humans] to provide all the details to AI that we want. We feel like it’s just not giving us what we want, but it’s giving you exactly what you asked for. You have to know what it is you’re asking for,” Orth said.

PHOTO BY SHELBY PEREZ Sophomore Anthony Andrews responds to questions on a Google Form during Mrs. Orth’s Period 5 Intro to Artificial Intelligence class on Oct. 11.

Director of Mathematics, Science, Technology & Music Ms. Leone said the class is receiving about $45,000 of support from a New Jersey Department of Education grant called Expanding Access to Computer Science High School Courses.

“This grant is committed to promoting equitable and expanded access to high-quality, standards-based computer science education for all NJ students,” Leone said. 

She said the CodeHS coding curriculum used in the AI class has been completely funded by the grant, along with additional professional development for the teacher and the purchase of a pocket-sized computer called the BBC micro:bit.

Leone said the class will benefit students regardless of their career path.

“AI [is] becoming a significant part of various fields, from healthcare to finance to entertainment,” Leone said. “Learning about AI helps students develop critical thinking skills and the ability to navigate the digital landscape responsibly.”

“Learning about AI helps students develop critical thinking skills and the ability to navigate the digital landscape responsibly.”

Sophomore Anthony Andrews, who is in Orth’s Period 5 class, said he has enjoyed learning about generative and predictive AI.

“There [are] big differences between each of the categories of AI,” Andrews said. “It’s in the name…. Predictive AI makes predictions for the future based on past data, and generative makes completely new [content] based on past data.”

Andrews said he is glad he decided to register for Intro to AI. 

“If you’re interested in this type of subject, then it will help you out. I am learning very useful [skills],” Andrews said. “Technology is advancing every day, so being up to date with [AI] is going to be helpful in the future.”