Co-Creating an Interdisciplinary Module on AI
Introduction
Because neither Jennie nor Tom are “AI specialists,” Tom shares that “we are keen that they [students] will bring their own specific knowledge and understanding from their home department and then link that to the concept of AI.” The module examines AI through the lens of everything from its historical context to English literature to sustainability to ethics and social justice. Moreover, the module offers multidimensional ways to engage with the content through online lectures, podcasts with experts, weekly reflective discussions on content, and three selected workshops where students will utilise Lego Serious Play tools to synthesise new knowledge. Students will also get to practically use AI tools each to “learn what the limits are.” Tom says that the week that he is looking forward to the most is one where “we're going to do a podcast where we talk to AI about what it means to be human.” Finally, students have two assessments: one where they look at “applying AI to a sustainability challenge linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” and a student-devised assessment where they consider an ethical application of AI to their field in a decade from now.
Dr Jennie Mills
Dr Tom Ritchie
Principles of Practice
Co-Creation
Tom reflects that the student co-creation has “been transformational.” Even before formal module approval, Tom and Jennie reached out to students from the Warwick AI, Computing, and Global Sustainable Development societies to engage their viewpoints. They pitched different aspects of the module to them and asked “Is this interesting? Is this something you'd like to learn?” Students from Computer Science invited Tom and Jennie to an AI conference where they presented the module to the “attendees to get mass feedback from all different types of students who wouldn't necessarily come across it before.” After official module approval, two student co-creation officers were brought on to continue helping to develop the module. Lucy, one of the officers from the Computer Science department, “has bought her knowledge and understanding” of the mechanics of AI that Jenny and Tom are less familiar with. Tom summarises that student co-creation on the module has been “genuinely amazing.”
Grounding the Module in Peer Knowledge
Tom highlights the student-led aspects of the module, offering that while students are given pre-recorded material to introduce them to content, students who “already have the grounding can help lead discussions and help their peers create a new knowledge.” These reflective discussion sessions will centre around a different disciplinary approach each week, so that students can bring their own expertise in their subject matter. Tom elaborates, “if you're a computer scientist, you come in and you'll know what a Gen AI model is. But you may not understand the context that it sits in in terms of historical context or dystopia... each week different groups of students will be able to be the 'master' of that week because it will be linked to their home discipline.”
Reflection
Another core component of the module is reflection, where students are not only asked to reflect on and evaluate a unique AI tool each week but also consider more broadly “social and cultural perspectives on AI in the future.” This critical reflection will prepare students for their final assessments.
Moving Forward
Tom and Jennie hope that the module will grow and develop to include new developments in AI and tackle the challenging questions students will face when using AI in their future careers.
The module is intentionally designed to draw on students’ knowledge as they can offer fresh and relevant perspectives each time the module is delivered.
Beyond the Module
As part of the module, Tom hosts a podcast with different stakeholders in the development and use of Artificial Intelligence. The success of the AI Ethics Now podcast with students has led the team to release it on Spotify and record new episodes.AI Ethics Now | Podcast on Spotify
Join each fortnight for new critical conversations on AI Ethics with local, national, and international experts.
We will discuss:
- Ethical Dimensions of AI: Fairness, bias, transparency, and accountability.
- Societal Implications: How AI is transforming industries, economies, and our understanding of humanity.
- The Future of AI: Potential benefits, risks, and shaping a future where AI serves humanity.
If you want to join the podcast as a guest, contact
