Introduction
Imagine waking up to find that an algorithm has decided which school you can attend, what news you see, and even whether or not you are "eligible" for a summer job. AI is no longer science fiction—it is the invisible engine running our world. But is it fair? Does it have a "bias"? In this WebQuest, you aren't just a user of technology; you are a Digital Ethics Consultant tasked with deciding how AI should—and shouldn't—be used in our society.
Task
Your team must investigate a specific "AI Dilemma" (Facial Recognition, Self-Driving Cars, or Social Media Algorithms). You will produce a 3-minute Multimedia Pitch (video or slide deck) to a mock "Global Ethics Board." Your goal is to:
- Explain how the technology works.
- Identify at least two major ethical risks.
- Propose one "Golden Rule" for how this technology should be regulated.
3. The Process & Resources
Process
The Process & Resources
Follow these steps to complete your investigation:
Step 1: Roles (Assign one to each team member)
- The Technologist: Researches how the AI works.
- The Human Rights Advocate: Researches the risks to privacy and fairness.
- The Policy Maker: Researches current laws and potential solutions.
Step 2: Research (Resources)
Use these curated links to gather your evidence:
- How AI Works (Simple Video)
- The Problem with Bias in AI (Article)
- Facial Recognition Pros & Cons
- Self-Driving Car Moral Dilemma (Interactive)
Step 3: Synthesis
Meet as a group to debate your findings. Use a "Pros/Cons" T-chart to organize your thoughts before creating your final presentation
Evaluation
| Criteria | Novice (1pt) | Proficient (3pts) | Exemplary (5pts) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research | Used only one source. | Used multiple sources but lacked depth. | Used all resources to provide a balanced view. |
| Ethical Analysis | Could not identify risks. | Identified risks but no solutions. | Clearly linked tech risks to human impact. |
| Product Quality | Hard to follow or messy. | Clear and organized. | Engaging, creative, and highly persuasive. |
Conclusion
Congratulations, Consultant! You have navigated the complex world of Big Data and Ethics. You’ve learned that while technology is powerful, the human values we program into it are what matter most. As you continue to use the internet, ask yourself: Is this algorithm serving me, or am I serving the algorithm?