Grade 8 Computer Science Course Explores Emerging Technologies and the Ethical Questions They Raise

A grade 8 computer science elective, introduction to immersive and emerging technologies, is not only teaching about the future of technological innovation, but also exploring the ethical quandaries stemming from their immense capabilities.

The second-semester class, which evolved from an introduction to virtual reality elective in past years, just finished a unit on artificial intelligence and machine learning.

“We have been weaving in discussions on ethical decision making when it comes to each type of technology we learn about,” said Director of Educational Technology and Library Angela Mackenzie, who teaches the class with technology specialist Jason Tapie. “In regards to AI, we talked about the importance of it being ‘human-centered’ and following principles set by big tech companies. These include things like being socially beneficial, being inspired by human intelligence, avoiding creating or reinforcing unfair bias, being accountable to people and understanding the impact it will have on humans.”

As a design-thinking project, students were given four everyday household products (such as a washing machine or a lamp) and asked to design something new that incorporates elements from at least three of the products as well as human-centered AI. They will give an entrepreneurial pitch for their product using CoSpaces, a coding program for virtual and augmented reality experiences.

“For the future of the class we will continue to talk about ethics and topics such as algorithmic bias, as well as using computer science for good,” Mrs. Mackenzie said. “We will also move into A Frame which is a more advanced VR content-creating platform our Upper School students are using in their VR class.”