Fueled by its rapid evolution in recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly accessible and relevant in our daily lives. Companies like Meta, Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft have invested in AI tools to improve their platforms and user experience, cementing AI as a tool here to stay. As it is clear that AI will become increasingly relevant in the future, students must learn to navigate the complexities of AI. Integrating AI into Berkeley High School’s existing computer science curriculum will provide an essential introduction to the concept of AI as it continues to evolve and impact our lives, equipping BHS students with the knowledge they need to face the ever-changing world of AI.
According to a study by the McKinsey Global Institute earlier in 2024, 65% of respondents say their organization uses AI regularly, almost double the figure 10 months ago. Learning to navigate AI as a high school student teaches important skills relevant to many fields of work and can be used later in life. Learning about AI not only helps students in the job market but also helps them learn more about this technology and its effects on our society and the world.
“Whether we like it or not, we will be expected to be able to use AI, and it will be used against us,” said AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) teacher Shoshana O’Keefe. By integrating AI into current computer science courses, BHS can ensure its students are prepared to enter any field using AI.
AP CSP covers a wide range of topics, teaching students a variety of computer science skills. From learning to code to understanding internet security, the course provides an introduction to computing and requires no prior coding knowledge or experience. Although this course introduces students to a variety of topics, AI is currently a very small part of the curriculum. “I also think students should spend time thinking about the ethical implications of different ways to use AI and different directions the technology could take,” O’Keefe said. In addition to acquiring AI skills, the potential harms of using AI cannot be ignored and are essential to teach to students.
Rather than creating a new class focused entirely on AI, it would be more effective to integrate AI into existing curricula. Creating an entirely new classroom requires materials, resources, and hiring new teachers, which takes time and money. AI is still a relatively new and niche topic compared to computer science, which is a much broader field. Many students may not choose to take an AI course, but integrating it with a more popular course like computer science would give the subject more exposure. By doing so, it would be possible to teach AI concepts to a larger number of students.
As AI becomes more and more relevant in our society, it is crucial that students learn how to use it and understand its potential consequences. By integrating AI into the existing AP CSP curriculum, students will gain a basic understanding of AI and its complex characteristics. This will prepare students for the workforce and beyond, giving them the skills needed to succeed in a world filled with AI.