Let's talk about AI (no, really - let's TALK!)

I have spent my share of nights sleeplessly wrestling with the end of the world and where all of this may lead. And yet, in spite of my many AI-induced existential crises, I love AI, the concept. 

Let me explain. 

I love that it forces such deep thoughts and discussions - What does it mean to be human? What is vital to learn? What is important? Is it possible to reimagine the economy? So much richness and permission granted to think and talk deeply with everyone, even strangers!

When is the last time we had a topic that is both meaningful and edgy, but also not so polarizing as to become taboo? 

Why is this topic so particularly rich? I have a few thoughts:

1. Nuanced opinions are generally allowed and acknowledged, even when strong opinions also exist.
2. It is relevant but not overly emotional. This needs an asterisk, as I imagine the emotions will come as real consequences are felt more and more, but as a culture it is still discuss-able.
3. There are big, meaty questions that nobody knows the answer to yet, which the greatest minds are also working on - it feels like joining an important discussion.
4. It hasn’t been completely co-opted by politics along party lines. I mean, there’s still plenty of time for this to happen, but as of now there is still a lot of “figuring out” across the board
5. This kind of freedom to talk requires almost a mental playground - an area where people can try out different opinions without severe repercussions. Most of us are not in major decision-making spaces determining the direction of policy, and yet we all feel some responsibility. This creates the perfect space - where we can wrestle with ideas without immediate decision-making. 
6. We are hungry to learn and figure out this puzzle. There’s a curiosity about each other’s experiences that you don’t always find.

How can we, as homeschoolers, take advantage of this moment? We can have rich critical discussion within our homes and outside it. We can practice listening, responding respectfully, and countering with the intent, not to prove anything, but to come closer to truth. 

Especially if you have middle or high school kids, these are great discussions to have. Great discussions to have even just with adults and allow the kids to listen or participate. 

Last year our high schoolers learned about and practiced using AI for different tasks each week. This was accompanied by various discussions, with the goal to create both a class policy and individual policies on AI use. It was fascinating and so encouraging to see them bump up against conflicting ideas and thoughts, and to sincerely engage in the task of figuring out together what might be the best course of action. (Interestingly, most of them fell more on the side of restricting personal AI use than encouraging it!)

Here are some questions to get you started in your own discussions: 

• Ask others how they use (or don’t use) AI in their jobs, or how it has affected their careers
• How have you seen AI used by your friends or others?
• What good do you think it is doing? (maybe do some research)
• What are you personally most concerned about? 
• What kinds of tasks do you think it is okay for AI to do? Are there people who would disagree with you?
• Do you feel there are tasks we should never allow AI to do? 
• How do you think the environmental effects should be handled? How should those affect policy?
• How do you feel about people using AI for friends or relationships? Why do you think people turn to AI? What are the risks? 
• What do you think the role of the government is in monitoring or controlling AI?
• If you had a personal AI policy, what would it be? Is that different than what a school or governmental policy should be?

Gosh, I could keep going - there is so much good fodder to dig into really deep concepts! Try it out and let me know how it goes!