Human > Artificial: AI Literacy & Identity

Human > Artificial: AI Literacy & Identity 
 
Audience: Middle School (Grades 6–8)

Duration: 60–75 minutes

Format: Interactive technology literacy workshop
 
Human > Artificial: AI Literacy introduces middle school students to the rapidly growing influence of artificial intelligence and helps them understand the difference between human intelligence and machine-generated outputs.
 
As artificial intelligence tools become more accessible, students are increasingly interacting with AI technologies without fully understanding how they work or how they should be used responsibly. This workshop provides students with a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence while reinforcing the value of human creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving.
 
Students learn that artificial intelligence does not think independently but instead identifies patterns within large datasets and generates predictions based on those patterns. Understanding this distinction helps students recognize both the power and the limitations of AI technologies.
 
Through guided discussion and activities, students explore how AI appears in everyday life including social media algorithms, recommendation systems, digital assistants, and automated tools. Participants analyze scenarios where AI can be helpful and situations where over-reliance on AI may weaken important human skills.
 
The workshop emphasizes that technology should be used as a tool that supports human intelligence rather than replacing it. Students are encouraged to see themselves as thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers whose ideas matter more than automated outputs.
 
Students will learn to:
• Understand what artificial intelligence is and how it works
• Identify where AI appears in everyday technology
• Recognize the limitations of AI systems
• Strengthen critical thinking and independent problem-solving
• Understand responsible technology use
 
What's Included
• AI literacy student workbook
• Guided discussion activities
• Technology reflection exercises
• Real-world AI examples
 
Outcomes Schools Can Expect
• Improved digital literacy among students
• Stronger critical thinking about technology
• Responsible use of AI tools in learning environments
• Greater awareness of the role of human creativity in a technology-driven world
 
This workshop supports digital citizenship education, technology literacy standards, and responsible technology use in schools.