Trustworthy Technology Use

The world of technology is full of tools, and it changes every day. It is important for students to understand what appropriate and trustworthy technology use looks like in action as they grow up with it.

Grade Level: K-5

Character Skills

Trustworthiness

SEL Skills

Self-Management
Responsible Decision-Making

Academic Skills

Critical and Creative Thinking
Curiosity and Passion

Definitions

Trustworthiness

Be honest. Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal.
Have integrity. Do what you say you’ll do.
Keep your promises.
Be loyal. Stand by your values.

Self-Management

Regulate emotions, attitudes, and actions, and manage negative emotions and impulses.

Responsible Decision-Making

Make decisions based on rationality, ethics, and effectiveness.

Creative and Critical Thinking

Acquire, remember, understand, and apply knowledge.

Curiosity and Passion

Enthusiastic to understand more about themselves, others, and the world around them.

Learn more about our character, SEL, and academic outcomes.

Share This Activity

Students will introduce artificial intelligence and its presence within technology, while also considering how to use it in a trustworthy and character-driven way.

Materials/Preparation

Video: What is Machine Learning?
Computer access to Dance Party activity from Code.org
Headphones for students

Instructions

Ask students to think about different kinds of technology they see in their lives and how it helps them. Have them share with a partner, and then ask for volunteers to share with the class.
Explain that something called “artificial intelligence” is present in the world around us. Then, play the video to help explain AI to students in a fun, easy-to-understand way.
After the video, ask students to reflect on how AI learns and develops.
Then, have students try the Dance Party activity from Code.org to see AI in action. Coding in this activity will show them how artificial intelligence uses information that humans give to create something that has a purpose and will carry out a function.
- If students are doing this on their own devices, make sure they have headphones or space to spread out so they can hear their devices.
- Depending on your students’ needs, Code.org can read directions to them.
After students have had time to try out the coding activity (15-20 minutes), bring your class back together and talk about the following questions:
- What did you notice from the computer while you were coding?
- What does this activity tell us about technology? About artificial intelligence?
- Artificial intelligence can do a lot for us. How do we make sure that we are making good choices while using it? How can you show that you can be trusted to use this kind of technology at school or in the real world?
- Why is it important for us to understand technology and artificial intelligence?

Journal Prompts

In what ways is AI helpful to you? How can it be hurtful?
How can you make sure that you are being trustworthy while using AI and different forms of technology?