What is AI Appreciation Day?

Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day is an annual celebration dedicated to the advancements and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in our world. It is a day to explore how AI technologies shape our daily lives, from smart home devices to advanced medical diagnostics. Celebrated on July 16th each year, AI Day offers a platform to discuss the ethical, social, and economic implications of AI, while encouraging curiosity and education about this transformative and disruptive field.

Why Parents and Families Should Discuss AI Day

Discussing AI Day at home is crucial for several reasons. It helps demystify technology, encourages critical thinking about its benefits and challenges, and prepares children for a future where AI will play a significant role. By engaging in conversations about AI, families can foster a balanced understanding of technology, promoting awareness and informed decision-making.

Pause to Ponder Questions for Families:

1. What AI technologies do we use at home, and how do they make our lives easier?
2. What are some potential risks of AI, and how can we mitigate them?
3. How can we prepare for future careers that might involve AI?

Activities

• Read books which feature AI usage. Head to the website of the charity Technology Books for Children and join the mailing list to keep up to date with tech themed titles

Why Educators Should Discuss AI Appreciation Day

Educators play a vital role in preparing students for a technology-driven world. By discussing AI Appreciation Day, teachers can inspire interest in STEM fields, highlight the importance of ethical considerations in technology, and integrate interdisciplinary learning experiences. AI Day provides an excellent opportunity to align classroom activities with real-world applications, making learning more relevant and engaging.

Integrating AI Day into the Curriculum:

Computing:

• Activity: Introduce fundamental AI concepts through AI-related projects, such as creating simple chatbots.
• Discussion: Discuss how AI algorithms work and their applications in various fields.

English:

• Activity: Analyse and debate articles or stories about AI’s impact on society.
• Discussion: Explore themes of AI in literature and media, focusing on ethical dilemmas and societal changes.

Maths:

• Activity: Use data sets to teach statistics and probability, showing how AI algorithms process information.
• Discussion: Explain how mathematical concepts are foundational to AI development and machine learning.

Science:

• Activity: Investigate how AI is used in scientific research, such as in predicting climate change or developing new medicines.
• Discussion: Explore the ethical considerations of AI in scientific advancements and its impact on society.

How do you teach kids about technology?

For educators seeking structured resources, I have developed comprehensive curriculums that can support you in the classroom

• Exploring Computer Science
• My Google Drive

Through my children’s book series – The Digital Adventures of Ava and Chip, young readers can immerse themselves in digital tech and learn about – Smart Cities, Self-Driving Cars and Smart Homes