AI, Robotics, and IoT in STEM Education

• The AI4STEM Curriculum aims to apply AI in educational robotics, introducing the 5 Big Ideas in AI and using Internet of Things in STEM education

Module Introduction

• The module explores AI and its uses in everyday life
• It helps teachers understand AI and integrate it into the classroom, exploring the interaction between AI and the Internet of Things (IoT)
• Teachers can find information about AI, examples, and activities to facilitate explanations in elementary and secondary school classrooms
• There are scenarios on how AI and IoT can be approached through the lens of the 5 Big Ideas (AI4K12 initiative)
• There is a particular focus on the 5th Big Idea, Societal Impact

Glossary of Key Concepts

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) merges computer science and datasets for problem-solving and performs tasks requiring human intelligence
• A robot is defined as an automatically operated machine replacing human effort, not necessarily resembling humans
• Capacity-based AI is classified into Artificial Narrow Intelligence, Artificial General Intelligence, and Artificial Superintelligence based on learning capabilities
• Functionality-Based AI is categorized by how it applies learning to process data and interact with the environment
• The AI4K12 project focuses on teaching AI in K-12 in the US, aligned with CSTA standards for computer science
• The Internet of Things (IoT) involves using computer tools to automate real-world processes and reduce human participation
• IoT is defined as the ability of computing devices to transfer information over a network without human interaction

Introduction to AI

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) simulates human intelligence processes using computer programs and is applied to products and services
• AI focuses on developing algorithms and systems for tasks needing human intelligence such as reasoning, self-learning, problem-solving, pattern recognition, decision-making, and language understanding
• Not all AI is a robot; robots are a more complex form of AI
• AI can learn in three ways: Supervised, Semi-supervised, and Unsupervised

Types of Artificial Intelligence

• AI has various types with their own applications, challenges, advantages, and limitations
• AI is classified based on capacity and intelligence, as well as functionality
• Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI) refers to AI tools executing specific actions or commands, common in image recognition software and AI assistants
• Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) describes AI that can learn, think, and perform tasks like a human, aiming to create assistants for humans
• Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) is seen in science fiction movies, where AI becomes stronger than humans
• Functionality-wise, AI includes Reactive Machines, Limited Memory, Theory of Mind, and Self-Aware

AI uses based on functionality

• Reactive Machines react immediately to requests without storing memory or learning from past experiences; an example is spam filtering
• Limited Memory AI stores past data to make predictions, improving performance constantly, like chatbots and self-driving cars
• Theory of Mind AI understands emotions and subtle changes to adapt, which researchers are still trying to develop
• Self-Aware AI reaches singularity, with machines being out of control and thinking independently
• Sophia of Hanson Robotics is a more developed AI, but not technically self-aware

Classroom task: AI in the classroom

• To introduce AI, the teacher can show images where it is used and ask students if they know what they are
• Pictures of robots, virtual assistants (like Alexa or Siri), facial recognition apps, self-driven cars, chatbot websites (like chat GPT) and recommendations part of Netflix, for instance can be used
• Questions to ask include: "Do all these AIs work in the same way?" and "What are the bigger differences you can name?"
• Students should be able to discuss, understand what AI is, know that there are different types of AI and discuss the similarities and differences using what they have observed

AI in Everyday Life

• AI is present in routines, from unlocking phones with facial recognition to recommendations on Netflix, often making tasks easier
• AI is found in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, transportation, entertainment, and education
• Applications include search engines with AI algorithms (Voice and Image search, Translate, Maps), personalized content in social networks, and virtual assistants like Apple's Siri or Amazon's Alexa
• AI is used in autonomous transportation (TESLA), medical diagnoses, and educational platforms (Khan Academy, Duolingo, Squirrel AI)
• Common applications are smart homes with thermostats or light and safety systems learning user preferences

Classroom Task: AI in Everyday life

• The use of AI is something the teacher needs to discuss with the students
• Example questions: Do you think AI has made our lives better or easier? Do you have any smart devices at home?
• Students should identify AI in their daily routine, discuss its use, and understand its presence in everyday life

The 5 Big Ideas of AI

• The "Five Big Ideas" of AI were proposed by John Haugeland to summarize key concepts
• These ideas provide an overview of the principles behind AI development, the fundamentals, and concepts and have influenced the development of intelligent AI systems
• Perception allows computers to perceive the world with sensors, extract meaning from sensory signals, enabling computers to 'see' and 'hear'
• Representation & Reasoning involves agents maintaining representations of the world and using them for reasoning, helping with big data
• Learning enables computers to learn from inputs through machine learning, with the learning triggered by input of data from humans or machines
• Natural Interaction requires AI agents to interact with humans naturally through language, expressions, emotions, and social conventions
• Societal Impact has both positive and negative effects, requiring a balance between using technology and limiting it for enhanced human interactions

Societal impact of AI

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) has a significant impact on society from the economy to individuals
• AI automates tasks in various industries, improves healthcare by enhancing treatments and reducing costs, and advances transportation through autonomous systems
• AI personalizes education, tailors product recommendations in e-commerce, and offers accessibility solutions, like voice recognition
• AI enhances cybersecurity by detecting cyber threats, addresses ethical and privacy concerns, and aids government decision-making in public safety and health
• There may be biases in AI data training, leading to varied outcomes impacting AI performance

AI and The Internet of Things

• IoT helps AI process and respond to real-world events and AI is essential to IoT
• The question is not whether to use AI but how far AI can be taken, depending on the complexity of the IoT system
• AI can help IoT reduce the need for direct human participation, provided AI tools advance over simple IoT programming
• As AI improves to mimic human capabilities, its contribution to IoT applications will expand
• Example interaction with contribution to IoT is manufacturing where facial recognition is being used, along with AI equipped robots which are learning from sensors (IoT)

Examples of Interaction and Contribution of AI to IoT:

• AI-equipped robots facilitate data transmission and improve manufacturing
• Self-driving cars can predict pedestrian behavior using IoT and AI
• Smart thermostats use AI-powered IoT to manage temperature according to user preferences

The Classroom: Combining IoT and AI

• The teacher can ask students to think of examples of using IoT and AI together, and students can describe the role of IoT and the role of AI.
• For instance, AI can study movement of cars and use data with sensors, where the algoritm created can send each car to its convenient spot.
• Another instance is using AI to study the the choices each student makes at lunch and giving that student the most options
• This demonstrates the 2 working together and how it helps make everyday lives easier

Ethical Concerns of AI

• As AI becomes more common in everyday life, some ethical concerns arise
• Ethical issues include fairness, data responsibility and privacy, climate, degrade human rights, accountability, and technology misuse
• The potential invasion of privacy when using AI can be a concern in education and child-rearing
• AI-powered devices collect data, raising concerns about who has access to this information
• Over-reliance on AI can prevent students from developing skills like communication, perseverance, or critical thinking reducing problem solving skills and seeking help

Classroom Task: Ethics And AI

• Teachers can begin by showing students school equipment that is used in the classroom to demonstrate AI.
• Initiate further conversation by showing the students both the benefits and drawbacks of the equipment.
• Divide the class into groups where they can define both the positive and negative aspects, while also including what they see as safe rules.
• Each of these groups can then share what they have concluded with the rest of the class and formulate an “ethics in the classroom” chart together

The Lesson Should Describe that students should

• Describe ethical issues regarding AI and what it means for society
• Be able to establish guiding principles regarding AI ethics issues
• Gain proper understanding regarding the risks involved while using AI through reflection
• Be able to display both positive and negative aspects of AI use