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Youth as Advisors in Participatory Design: Situating Teens' Expertise in Everyday Algorithm Auditing with Teachers and Researchers

Project Overview

The document explores the integration of generative AI in educational settings, emphasizing the significant role of youth as advisors in participatory design (PD) processes, particularly in the auditing of AI algorithms. It illustrates how teenagers, equipped with their understanding of emerging technologies, can contribute valuable insights into lesson design and the evaluation of AI systems. The findings underscore the necessity of fostering long-term engagement among various stakeholders to create effective PD sessions that amplify youth voices. By involving students directly in the design and auditing process, the document highlights the potential for generative AI to enhance educational experiences while ensuring that the technology aligns with students' needs and perspectives. Overall, the paper advocates for structured approaches to youth participation that empower students and improve the application of generative AI in educational contexts, promoting a more inclusive and responsive learning environment.

Key Applications

Algorithm Auditing Learning Activities

Context: High school computer science classrooms, targeting teachers and students

Implementation: Teen advisors provided feedback on algorithm auditing lesson designs during a participatory design session with teachers.

Outcomes: Teen advisors contributed unique insights, enhancing lesson designs and fostering critical engagement with algorithmic systems among peers.

Challenges: Power differentials between teens and adults, ensuring youth authority and agency in discussions.

Implementation Barriers

Power Differential

The inherent power differential between teen advisors and adult researchers and teachers, which may lead to teens feeling less capable of providing expert insights.

Proposed Solutions: Facilitating an environment that explicitly positions youth as experts and encourages open dialogue.

Engagement Challenges

Limited time availability for teens due to school and extracurricular commitments, making it difficult to engage them in longer design processes.

Proposed Solutions: Short, focused design sessions and building on existing relationships to encourage participation.

Project Team

Daniel J. Noh

Researcher

Deborah A. Fields

Researcher

Luis Morales-Navarro

Researcher

Alexis Cabrera-Sutch

Researcher

Yasmin B. Kafai

Researcher

Danaé Metaxa

Researcher

Contact Information

For information about the paper, please contact the authors.

Authors: Daniel J. Noh, Deborah A. Fields, Luis Morales-Navarro, Alexis Cabrera-Sutch, Yasmin B. Kafai, Danaé Metaxa

Source Publication: View Original PaperLink opens in a new window

Project Contact: Dr. Jianhua Yang

LLM Model Version: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

Analysis Provider: Openai

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