Article by Ruby Medders
In the new age of artificial intelligence, Benton Middle School is dedicated to keeping students informed and aware of the dangers and uses of AI.
This semester at BMS, 6th grade social studies classes are taking part in a University of Central Arkansas research study for “Developing and Evaluating AI Literacy Curriculum for Middle School Students”. This research study aims to teach students about how AI and machine learning works, the ethics and responsible uses of AI, and basic skills for how to appropriately interact with AI. At the beginning of this nine week study, students took an online survey about what they know or think about some AI concepts. For 15 minutes each week, the students get a lesson on each of the AI topics. At the end of the nine week period, after all lessons have been completed, students will take the same survey again to demonstrate what they have learned about AI concepts.
The goal of this study is for UCA to create an effective and impactful free AI literacy curriculum resource for middle schoolers across the state of Arkansas.
BMS values preparing students for challenges they will face outside of school. Learning to navigate AI is becoming increasingly more important in professional and social settings. Not only will this study help foster education and growth at BMS, but also other schools in Arkansas. BMS is continually committed to demonstrating the "Pursuit of Excellence through Education” everyday.