SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Microsoft and Code.org announced on Tuesday a partnership to give students from elementary school to high school the opportunity to learn about artificial intelligence (AI).
Made possible by Microsoft's latest donation of 7.5 million U.S. dollars, Code.org plans a comprehensive and age-appropriate approach to teaching how AI works along with the social and ethical considerations, from elementary school through high school, the announcement said.
A new video series on AI and a classroom lesson plan to help students explore and discuss the societal and ethical implications of AI will be available on Dec. 1, featuring Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella along with leading technologists across industry and academia, according to the announcement.
Two organizations argued that at a time when AI and machine learning are changing the very fabric of society and transforming entire industries, it is more important than ever to allow every student to not only learn how these technologies work but also to think critically about the ethical and societal impacts of AI.
"By learning how to consider the ethical issues that AI raises, these future computer scientists will be better able to envision the appropriate safeguards that help to maximize the benefits of AI technologies and reduce their risks," the announcement said.
Within the coming year, AI and machine learning lessons will be integrated into Code.org's CS Discoveries curriculum, which is one of the most widely-used computer science courses for students in grades 6-10, and in App Lab, Code.org's popular app-creation platform used throughout middle school and high school. Enditem