The voice of youth is vital in the development and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Today’s youth are heavy users of technology and have dominated conversations around AI, so providing them with opportunities to design and troubleshoot the tools that are shaping their future is essential. How can we empower young people to become key voices and leaders actively shaping and improving emerging AI technology, ensuring it has a positive impact in their communities? Initiatives like the YouthMADE Festivala two-week celebration in May showcasing youth-led work around the world, it has shown that younger generations are creators and change agents in their communities.
Student teams in Delhi, India, took action to build solutions in their local communities that address the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. One of his projects involved the construction of a AI sensor boat to monitor water quality for the protection of local villagers and aquatic life. This project was guided by Anni Kumar, an experienced educator and head of the IT department at Vikas Bharati Public School.
Kumar believes that prioritizing the voice of youth can bring fresh and innovative ideas to the development of AI tools. Kumar has been a teacher for 19 years and is passionate about creating a learning environment that fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity among her students. Last year, Kumar and her team of students were the recipients of the Ciena Solutions Challenge Sustainability Award 2023, a global design challenge that invites students and teachers to design solutions to real problems and take action to build a better world. We spoke with Kumar about his experience with student-led design projects using AI technology.
EdSurge: How did you get students started using AI to design solutions?
Kumar: Before diving into designing solutions with AI, students were trained in a basic understanding of what AI is, how it works, and what it can be used for. Once students had a basic understanding of AI, they were asked to identify a problem they wanted to solve using AI. After identifying a relevant problem, students data collected to train your AI models and analyzed the data using different tools such as Excel, Google Sheets, or other data analysis software. The students researched and chose an AI model that was appropriate for the problem they were trying to solve. After training and testing the model, the students used it to solve a local problem in their community, such as traffic, drowsy driving and COVID-19. With the right resources and tools, students were able to make a significant impact in communities through AI solutions.
What impact are student-led projects having in your community?
Student-led AI projects have a significant impact on communities in a number of ways. Student projects helped improve accessibility for people with disabilities by developing an AI-powered system that helps translate spoken language into sign language for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. a group of students used AI in education, which helps children get personalized learning experiences, such as through a Universal Design for Learning approach. Students can better understand complex concepts and thus improve their academic performance. By using AI to solve real-world problems, students help create a better future for all.
What are the benefits of prioritizing the voice of youth in the development of AI tools?
Young people bring diverse perspectives and experiences that may be overlooked by adult developers. Engaging young people in the development of AI tools can empower them to become active creators of technology rather than passive consumers. This opportunity can inspire them to pursue careers in technology and give them the skills and confidence to succeed in these fields. Young people are often the most affected by the technologies they use, and involving them in the development of AI tools can help ensure that these tools address their needs and concerns. AI tools can have a significant social impact, and involving young people in their development can ensure that these tools are created with a social conscience. This ensures that AI tools are not only effective but also responsible and ethical.
Were there any challenges using AI for your projects?
One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that the data used to train the AI models was accurate and unbiased. The students came to understand that if the data was of poor quality or biased, the AI model would be inaccurate and even reinforce existing biases. Developing AI projects also required specialized skills, experience, additional time, and funding. We call in industry experts and collaborate with different tech companies to provide technical support and workshops for students. Developing and implementing AI projects was very expensive and required specialized hardware and software. To support this, I also collaborated with technology companies to finance the AI projects.
What advice would you give to stakeholders who are considering engaging with young people in the use or development of AI tools?
Collaborating with young people requires creating a safe and supportive environment that encourages open communication and feedback. Foster a sense of ownership among young people by giving them a sense of responsibility and autonomy in the project. This can help ensure that they are involved in the project and motivated to contribute to its success. Young people may need additional training or support to develop the skills necessary to participate effectively in AI projects, so consideration should be given to providing learning and skill-building opportunities, including training sessions and access to resources. To ensure that young people genuinely participate in the project, it is important to incorporate their feedback throughout the process. Lastly, AI tools can have important ethical implications. It is crucial to consider the potential impact of the AI tool on society, including issues such as privacy and bias, and to involve young people in these discussions.
How do your students create and make a difference in their communities? Help them showcase their work and hear from other like-minded peers around the world in the next YouthMADE Festival, a global celebration showcasing the creativity and innovation of young people from May 15 to 28. Learn how to organize a student exhibition at made by youth.org!
