Exploring AI

November 10, 2023

Gr 6-8-Presenting a positive overview of Artificial Intelligence, computer scientist, educator, and software engineer Hadlett describes uses of AI that benefit humanity, specifically with medical, environmental, and archaeological applications. The roles of machine learning, data scientists, and computer engineers are described to demonstrate how AI has developed, how it is applied, and cases where it delivers answers both correct and incorrect. Readers are asked to imagine AI grading their homework and how that could help or hinder their learning, among other prompts that will challenge and engage curious minds. Elements, such as recommended internet sources and stock photos featuring a variety of ethnicities using computers, will quickly date this book. This text depicts AI as impressive and complicated; missing is any mention of significant socioeconomic impact, disinformation, or security concerns. Includes glossary, index, and three suggested websites. VERDICT Quickly dated information that is laudatory and limited. For larger libraries seeking information on this quickly evolving topic.-Janet S. Thompson

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2024
Grades 6-8 As the title suggests, this collaboration with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) allows students to explore the positive benefits of artificial intelligence. Following a brief history of AI development, thematic chapters examine how this technology assists people, the environment, and the study of history and archaeology. Within each chapter, the author identifies real-world uses and research implementation, such as how AI can help visually impaired people by describing what's on a computer screen, monitor endangered beluga whales' behaviors, and recognize artifacts from around the world. Hadlett uses these examples to explain basic AI concepts, such as computer algorithms and how they "learn" from data called training datasets. The final chapter focuses on the humans behind AI and introduces related careers, from researcher to data scientist to computer engineer. This chapter also considers the ethics of artificial intelligence and the role of AI ethicists in pointing out data or responses that are flawed or biased. Numerous photographs of people working in a range of STEM settings reinforce the positive progression of AI.

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