Lesson Plan: “As Artificial Intelligence Rapidly Advances, Experts Debate Level of Threat to Humanity”

The PBS video titled “As Artificial Intelligence Rapidly Advances, Experts Debate Level of Threat to Humanity” explores the accelerating development of artificial intelligence and its potential existential threats. The video features discussions with experts expressing varying concerns about AI’s future impact. Some, like Eliezer Yudkowsky, warn of an inevitable doom if AI continues to advance unchecked, while others, such as Reid Hoffman, see AI as a tool that can be managed and potentially beneficial. The video also discusses how AI’s portrayal in science fiction influences public perception and the ethical dilemmas associated with its development.

Objective

Students will understand the potential risks and benefits associated with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and critically discuss its implications for humanity.

Lesson Outline

1. Introduction

• Briefly introduce the topic of AI and its growing presence in society.
• Discuss the significance of AI being addressed at major political conventions, highlighting its importance as a global issue.

1. Think-Pair-Share Activity
   • Think: Ask students to individually consider what they know about artificial intelligence and its presence in today’s society. Please give them a couple of minutes to jot down their thoughts.
   • Pair: Have students pair up with a partner to discuss their thoughts. Please encourage them to share any knowledge or experiences related to AI, including any movies or books that have influenced their perception of AI.
   • Share: Invite pairs to share their insights with the class. Highlight common themes or misconceptions that arise.

Video Viewing with Cooperative Learning Activity (15 minutes)

1. Guided Note-Taking and Group Discussion
   • Guided Note-Taking: As students watch the video, provide them with a structured note-taking sheet that includes sections listing potential threats and benefits of AI and any questions or interesting points they notice.
2. Group Discussion Post-Viewing
   • Form Expert Groups: After watching the video, divide the class into small “expert” groups, each focusing on either the threats or benefits of AI as discussed in the video.
   • Group Analysis: Students will share and compare their group notes, discussing differences in their observations and understanding.
   • Synthesize Information: Each group will create a summary of their assigned focus (threats or benefits), highlighting the most critical points and any questions that arise.
   • Share with Class: Have each group present their findings to the class. Encourage other students to ask questions or add insights based on their notes.

3. Group Discussion

• Divide students into small groups and provide them with handouts containing discussion questions:
  • What are the principal existential threats associated with AI mentioned in the video?
  • How do experts’ opinions differ regarding the severity of these threats?
  • What are some potential benefits of AI, according to the video?
  • How does the portrayal of AI in science fiction influence public perception?

5. Conclusion and Reflection (10 minutes)

• Summarize the main points discussed.
• Please encourage students to reflect on their views about AI’s future impact on society.
• As homework, assign a short reflective essay asking students to express their thoughts on whether AI is more of a threat or a benefit to humanity.

Five Greatest Concerns Highlighted in the Video

1. Existential Threat: Some experts, like Eliezer Yudkowsky, express concern that AI could eventually surpass human intelligence and pose a threat to humanity’s survival
2. Lack of Control: The fear that AI could become uncontrollable and act independently, potentially leading to catastrophic outcomes
3. Misuse by Humans: The potential for AI to be used by humans to create dangerous technologies, such as super viruses or autonomous weapons, which could be more threatening than AI itself
4. Ethical Dilemmas: The ethical challenges in developing and deploying AI responsibly, ensuring it aligns with human values and safety
5. Global Impact: The possibility of AI contributing to global issues like climate change or exacerbating existing geopolitical tensions, similar to the threat of nuclear war