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Debate: Critical Thinking in the Age of AI
Empowering Ethical Decisions
Resources & Downloads
Download the PDF versions of this scenario or the associated presentation and rubrics.
Target Group: 13 - 16 y.o.
Activity Duration: 60 min
Key Learning Goals:
- Critical Thinking: Empower participants to think critically and ethically about AI.
- Research Skills: Develop the ability to find and evaluate information from age-appropriate sources.
- Civic Engagement: Engage thoughtfully in societal discussions about technology.
- Communication: Present arguments clearly and listen attentively to opposing viewpoints.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING:
- Define basic AI concepts (algorithms, chatbots) and ethical viewpoints.
- Identify potential benefits and risks of AI in contexts like healthcare, jobs, and education.
SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Conduct independent research to support arguments with evidence.
- Distinguish between facts and opinions, and identify bias.
- Work effectively in a team to develop a debate strategy.
ATTITUDES & VALUES:
- Demonstrate curiosity about the impact of technology on society.
- Value ethical considerations and diverse perspectives.
European Dimension / Erasmus+ Connection
- EU Values: Framing topics around democracy, human rights, and privacy (GDPR).
- Cross-Border Collaboration: Opportunities for joint debates with European partner schools.
- Digital Citizenship: Addressing the role of AI in misinformation and democratic processes.
1. Resources and Tools
Required Materials:
- Debate Guide: Infographic on "Team Policy Debate" (in zip).
- Presentation: Intro Slides (PPT in zip).
- Assessment: Judging Rubric & Self-Evaluation Form (in zip).
- Tech: Computers for research, Padlet for audience voting.
2. Working Methods
- Team-Based Learning: Collaborative research and argument development.
- Inquiry-Based Learning: Independent exploration of complex ethical questions.
- Active Learning: Role-playing and structured debate rounds.
Activity Overview
| Phase |
Duration |
Activity |
Description |
| Intro |
10 min |
Setting the Stage |
Introduction to the topic (video/story). Forming teams (Affirmative, Negative, Judges). |
| Prep |
20 min |
Research & Strategy |
Teams research online sources, use digital tools, and prepare constructive/rebuttal speeches. |
| Action |
20 min |
The Debate |
Online or live team policy debate. Emphasis on respectful communication and etiquette. |
| Reflection |
10 min |
Evaluation |
Judges score teams. Audience votes on Padlet. Self-assessment and class discussion. |
3. Topics for Debate
Topic A: AI in Education
"Should AI be used to monitor students in schools?"
- Context: It is 2035. Schools use facial recognition to detect stress or attention. Is this safety or invasion of privacy?
"Should schools teach students how to use AI tools?"
- Context: Should we ban ChatGPT or teach students to use it responsibly like a calculator?
Topic B: AI and Ethics
"Should decisions about patient care be made by AI?"
- Context: A robot diagnoses you instantly. It's fast, but does it understand empathy?
"Should AI decide who gets a job?"
- Context: An algorithm rejects your CV. Is it unbiased, or did it learn bias from humans?
Topic C: AI in Everyday Life
"Should AI control what we see on social media?"
- Context: Algorithms curate our feeds. Does this create "bubbles" or keep us entertained?
4. Creative Application (The Debate)
Structure of the Round
- Constructive Speeches: Presenting the main case (Affirmative vs. Negative).
- Cross-Examination: One student questions the opponent directly.
- Rebuttal: Refuting the opponent's arguments and defending your own.
5. Reflection and Evaluation
Assessment Criteria
- Arguments (30%): Quality and clarity of claims.
- Evidence (25%): Use of credible sources.
- Delivery (20%): Persuasiveness and eye contact.
- Rebuttals (15%) & Teamwork (10%).