AI4ALL: A Commitment to Bringing Diversity to AI

Image Source:  ​https://cs.illinois.edu/broadening-participation-computing/programs/ai4all

AI4ALL is a nonprofit based out of Stanford University whose vision for AI focuses on building a pipeline for a diverse and inclusive workforce in AI, utilizing people with diverse backgrounds, voices and perspective to make better AI and making more tools for social good by redefining who can be a leader in AI.  They have 3 programs:  Changemakers in AI, AI4All Ignite, and their Open Learning curriculum.  The AI4All Ignite internship program and Changemakers in AI are geared towards preparing undergraduate students from diverse communities for careers in AI.  They provide mentors, support in technical interviews and internships as well as community support for students selected for the program.  The Open Learning curriculum is foundational curriculum for high school students to help them learn about AI and how it works in various disciplines.  They are focusing most of their energy on the college and career readiness programs, but their open learning curriculum is a solid starting place for any high school educator interested in getting their students started in AI regardless of subject area that is taught.  The curriculum aligns to the following National Standards:
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• NGSS Engineering standards
• ISTE standards
• Common Core ELA/Literacy standards
• CSTA standards

image source:   https://AI-4-ALL.org

There are  lessons focused on explaining the more technical aspects of AI:   "How Neural Networks Work", "How GANS Work", "How CNNs Work" and "How RNNs and Transformers Work".  There are also lessons tied to specific topics and disciplines:  "AI and Drawing", "AI and Facial Recognition" "AI and Deep Fakes: "AI and the Environment", "AI and Dance" and "AI Ethics".  The lessons range from 1-10 hours long.  Each lesson contains a detailed Teacher's Guide, Google Slide Deck, as well as a a study guide and google form for students to complete as they go through the lessons.  The lessons are filled with experiential activities, explainer videos and discussion questions to allow students to grapple with the implications of how AI is changing our society.  Each lesson also contains a spotlight on professionals from diverse communities who are involved in AI work related to the lesson.  Most lessons have a project for students to complete once they have gone through the lesson.  There is flexibility in how the lessons are taught and a thoughtful Online Strategy Guide and Discussion Strategy Guide provided in each lesson.  They also recommend which subject areas each lesson can be taught in and provide relevant standards that are met with each lesson.  It is a very thoughtfully crafted set of lessons on AI that intentionally provide detailed guidance so that those who might not otherwise feel comfortable  teaching AI can quickly get a handle on AI topics to bring to their students.