Children Are Our Best Defense

A Public Option AI for Education

Picture courtesy of DALL-E via ChatGPT-4 (spell check errors et al)

Ethical and existential concerns are important in the fast-changing world of artificial intelligence (AI). We must focus on both the long-term safety of AI and immediate concerns like data privacy, algorithmic bias, and its effects on jobs. I propose to educate K-12 students about AI through a public interest approach. This includes teaching them digital literacy, critical thinking, and an understanding of AI risks. By doing this, we will prepare future generations to thrive in a technology-driven future, harnessing the benefits of AI while minimizing potential harm. 

A Brief History

AI research began in the late 1950s, and by the 1990s, data techniques for analytics and inference were in use. The term 'Big Data' emerged in 2005 with the growing use of Machine Learning and Neural Networks, with companies integrating these techniques into their business processes. Concurrently, social media usage among consumers has become widespread. AI techniques, often hidden, powered data-driven process improvements and optimized content delivery. In 2017, Google developed Transformers, a new deep learning architecture, and the next year, OpenAI introduced the concept of generative pre-trained transformers (GPT), marking the start of the Generative AI era. OpenAI launched ChatGPT in November 2022, a chatbot interface for the GPT engine, which quickly popularized the tool. By January 2023, ChatGPT had become the fastest-growing consumer software application ever, attracting over 100 million users.

The pervasive use of AI raised awareness about its associated risks, many of which mirror or amplify social issues present in our society. AI can also lower the cost of causing harm, potentially increasing the number of wrongdoers. Consequently, discussions on how to create safeguards and a new regulatory framework have sped up. 

The Regulatory Dilemma

Regulating AI poses unique challenges as the rapid evolution of technology often surpasses the slower traditional regulatory regimes, creating a gap between new technologies and existing laws. Different countries have varied approaches to AI regulation, ranging from strict controls to a more laissez-faire attitude. A growing consensus suggests that regulating AI behavior and application proves more effective than trying to control the technology itself. This method offers the flexibility and adaptability needed in fast-evolving fields. Europe leads in drafting legislation in this vein, but there is no global consensus on the approach to regulation.

Discussions are also ongoing about adopting ethical methods for developing new applications and evaluating industry proposals for codes of conduct or self-regulation. While these developments are positive, they face skepticism due to fears of regulatory capture by large incumbents and potential misalignment between corporate profit-driven objectives and public interest.  

Children are at the Crossroads of AI Impact

Children stand at the forefront of AI's transformative impact as they are growing up in a world where digital technology and AI are omnipresent. They are 'digital natives' who engage with technology from a very young age both benefiting from its advancements and facing its challenges firsthand.

They are the future users and potential developers of AI technologies. As such, they will not only interact with these technologies but also shape their development and application. Their understanding and attitudes towards AI will significantly influence how these technologies evolve and are integrated into society.

Children are particularly vulnerable to harms that AI can bring, such as exposure to harmful content, manipulation by persuasive technologies, or privacy issues. Unlike adults, children may not have the experience or critical thinking skills to recognize and protect themselves from these risks. How children engage with AI can significantly impact their cognitive and social development.

Children will live with the long-term consequences of today's AI advancements. Decisions made now about AI development, regulation, and application will directly impact their adult lives, making their early education and understanding of AI critical. 

For these reasons, understanding AI's impact on children and educating them about AI risks, digital literacy, and critical thinking is vital for ensuring a future where AI is used responsibly and beneficially. 

Education as a Public Good: Bridging the Gap for Societal Good

Education is widely regarded as a public good or at least a sector where public options are endorsed. This perspective is founded on the belief that education benefits society, not just the individual. It is a critical driver for personal development, economic growth, and societal progress. As such, providing access to education is often seen as a fundamental responsibility of governments, ensuring that all citizens can acquire knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities.

However, this view of education contrasts with the current landscape of AI development, which is primarily driven by profit motives and dominated by private corporations. These corporate entities, while pioneering in technology and innovation, often prioritize shareholder interests, market dominance, and financial returns. A shift is needed towards an option for AI development driven by public interest aligning AI advancement with societal needs and ethical considerations. It involves transparent research and development, accountable, and inclusive, considering the needs and perspectives of different community stakeholders. This can also foster public trust in AI technologies, as people are more likely to support and adopt technologies that they perceive as being developed with their best interests in mind. I propose that we start the AI Public Option in Education.

By educating young people about AI — its potential, its risks, and the ethical considerations it raises — we can cultivate a generation that is not only tech-savvy but also ethically aware and socially responsible. This education should not be limited to technical skills but should encompass a broader understanding of how AI impacts society and individuals, and how ethical AI development can be achieved. 

Proposing an AI-Infused K-12 Curriculum

I propose to integrate an AI-focused curriculum within K-12 education to prepare future generations for a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. This curriculum isn't just about teaching the technical aspects of AI; it's about building foundational skills in digital literacy, critical thinking, and civil disagreement, which are essential in the age of AI. 

AI literacy is a critical component of digital literacy. Students should learn not only how to use digital tools and AI systems but also gain a deeper understanding of how these technologies work. This includes basic concepts of machine learning, data collection and analysis, and the role of algorithms in processing information.

Students should develop critical thinking and learn to question how and why AI systems are built, the data they use, and the implications of their deployment in various sectors of society. This includes understanding biases in AI, the ethical use of AI, and the potential consequences of AI decisions.

As AI increasingly shapes public opinion and discourse, teaching students to engage in constructive, respectful dialogue about AI's impact is crucial. They need to understand different perspectives, recognize how AI can enhance or distort communication, and learn to articulate and defend their viewpoints responsibly. Along with digital literacy and critical thinking, students should develop independent opinions and learn to navigate a world filled with AI-generated information.  

Adopting a Federal Approach with State and Local Adaptations

Implementing this curriculum at a federal level ensures a consistent educational experience across the country, while still allowing for local adaptation. A standardized framework ensures that all students, regardless of their location or background, have access to the same foundational knowledge about AI preparing the workforce for a digital economy.

While a federal framework provides the backbone of the curriculum, states and localities can adapt and expand upon it to meet the specific needs and contexts of their communities. This flexibility is crucial in addressing regional disparities and ensuring that the curriculum is relevant and engaging for students from diverse backgrounds. This curriculum will lay the foundation for a society that is informed, thoughtful, and proactive in its interaction with AI technologies. 

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Introducing an AI curriculum in K-12 education prepares future generations for a technology-centric world, fosters informed citizenship, and promotes equitable access to knowledge. However, challenges include potential disparities in resource allocation, the risk of curriculum becoming quickly outdated, and the need for teacher training in this field.

An AI curriculum ensures students actively understand and shape technology, not just use it passively. It makes understanding AI crucial for informed citizenship, allowing students to contribute to public discourse and decisions. Integrating AI education into public schools helps bridge the digital divide, giving all children, regardless of background, access to knowledge about this fast-evolving technology.

However, implementing an AI curriculum could exacerbate existing inequalities. Schools in affluent areas might have better access to the necessary technology and resources, while underfunded schools could struggle to provide a comparable level of AI education. This disparity could lead to a widening educational and technological gap.

AI is a field that evolves at an unprecedented pace. There is a risk that the curriculum could become outdated quickly, necessitating frequent updates and revisions. Effective delivery of an AI curriculum requires teachers who are not only well-versed in the subject but also capable of teaching it in a way that is accessible and engaging for K-12 students. There is currently a shortage of educators with expertise in AI. Comprehensive teacher training programs would be essential, which could demand significant time and financial investment.

The benefits are substantial. However, the challenges demand careful consideration and strategic planning. 

Children as Our Best Defense

Educating children about AI serves as a strategic defense against AI-related risks. Instilling critical thinking, digital literacy, and ethical understanding from a young age prepares a generation to navigate, shape, and use AI technologies responsibly. This approach mitigates immediate risks and lays the groundwork for a future where well-informed, ethically conscious individuals harness AI for the greater good.