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December 3, 2024 Login
Opinion

SCIENCE SPOTLIGHT: AI is here to stay; BHS students must adapt to an AI-filled world

By Cedar Gilmour, November 22nd, 2024

Fueled by its rapid evolution in the last few years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made itself more and more accessible and relevant in our everyday lives. Companies like Meta, Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft have invested in AI tools to enhance their platforms and user experience, solidifying AI as a tool that is here to stay. As it is clear AI will only become increasingly relevant in the future, students need to learn how to navigate AI’s complexities. Integrating AI into Berkeley High School's existing computer science classes' curriculums will give an essential introduction to the concept of AI as it continues to evolve and affect our lives, setting up BHS students with the knowledge to take on the ever-changing world of AI.

According to research done by McKinsey Global Institute earlier in 2024, 65 percent of people surveyed say their organizations are using AI regularly, almost double the amount 10 months prior. Learning how to navigate AI as a high school student teaches important skills relevant to many lines of work and may be used later in life. Learning about AI not only helps students in the workforce but also helps them become more knowledgeable about this technology and the effect it has on our society and world. 

“Whether we like it or not, we're going to be expected to be able to use AI, and it’s going to be used on us,” Shoshana O’Keefe, an AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) teacher, said. By integrating AI into current computer science classes’ coursework, BHS can ensure its students are ready to enter any field that uses AI.

AP CSP covers a wide range of topics, teaching students various computer science skills. From learning how to code, to understanding internet safety, the class provides an introduction to computer science and does not require prior coding knowledge or experience. While this class introduces students to a variety of topics, AI is currently a very small part of the curriculum. “I also think students should spend some time considering the ethical implications of different ways to use it (AI) and the different directions that the technology could unfold,” O’Keefe said. In addition to learning AI skills, the potential harm of using AI cannot be ignored and are crucial to teach to students.

Rather than creating a new and entirely AI-focused class, integrating AI into existing curriculums would be more effective. Creating an entirely new class requires materials, resources, and the hiring of new teachers, which takes money and time. AI is still a relatively new and niche subject compared to computer science, which is a much broader field. Many students may not choose to take an AI class, but integrating it with a more popular course like computer science, would give the topic more exposure. By doing this, it would be possible to teach AI concepts to a larger number of students.

As AI becomes increasingly relevant in our society, it is crucial for students to learn how to use it and understand it's potential consequences. By integrating AI into the existing AP CSP curriculum, students will establish a basic understanding of AI and its complicated characteristics. Doing this will prepare students for the workforce and beyond, giving BHS students the skills to succeed in the AI-filled world.