Resources for teaching seven
Lesson: Hexagonal Thinking Lesson
Objective:
To analyze the ethical considerations of AI and its implications for society
Activity:
Provide learners with hexagonal thinking cards, each containing a concept or keyword related to AI and ethics. Concepts might include "privacy," "autonomy," "consciousness," "responsibility," "bias," "trust," and "accountability."
In small groups, learners connect the concepts to one another by discussing their relationships. For example, they might connect "responsibility" to "accountability" and discuss the importance of AI developers being accountable for the actions of their creations.
Encourage learners to consider how these interconnected concepts relate to the ethical dilemmas and consequences explored in Seven.
Have each group share their interconnected hexagons and their insights with the class.
Discuss the implications of these interconnections, especially in the context of AI technologies and their impact on our lives.
Lesson: Mandala-Themed Creative Expression Lesson
Objective:
To encourage learners to express their thoughts and emotions about AI, ethics, and identity through artistic creation
Activity:
Provide learners with materials (such as paper, colored pencils, markers, or digital design tools) to create mandalas that represent their understanding and feelings about AI and ethics.
Instruct learners to incorporate symbols, patterns, and colors into their mandalas to convey their thoughts and emotions on these topics.
After completing their mandalas, ask each learner to explain the symbolism and significance of their design choices in relation to the discussion question and Seven.
Display the mandalas around the classroom to promote dialogue and reflection.
Engage in a class discussion about the various interpretations and representations of AI, ethics, and identity in the mandalas.
Lesson: Inquiry-Based Research and Debate Lesson
Objective:
To encourage learners to explore ethical dilemmas and technological advancements in AI through inquiry and debate
Activity:
Assign learners to small groups and provide each group with a specific ethical dilemma related to AI. Examples include "AI in healthcare," "AI and privacy," or "AI in autonomous weapons."
Instruct each group to conduct independent research on their assigned topic to gather information, evidence, and arguments.
After researching, have each group present their findings and engage in a debate-style discussion. One side should argue in favor of using AI in the specified context, while the other argues against it.
Encourage learners to use evidence from their research to support their arguments and respond to opposing viewpoints.
Conclude with a class reflection on the implications of AI in these different areas and how the lessons learned from Seven relate to real-world AI ethics.
Lesson: "Beat the Bot" Creative Writing Challenge
Objective:
To develop learners' creative writing skills and critical thinking by challenging them to write a chapter for the novel Seven that surpasses the output of an AI like ChatGPT
Activity:
Introduction (10 minutes)
Start by discussing the capabilities of AI-generated text, like ChatGPT.
Explain that learners will be challenged to write a chapter for the novel Seven that is more creative, engaging, and emotionally resonant than a chapter generated by an AI.
Chapter from ChatGPT (15 minutes)
Present a short chapter generated by ChatGPT. It should be a basic, unremarkable chapter with minimal character development and emotional impact.
Reading and Analysis (15 minutes)
Read the ChatGPT-generated chapter as a class.
Discuss its strengths and weaknesses. What elements of storytelling, character development, and emotional depth are lacking in the AI-generated text?
Chapter Guidelines (10 minutes)
Provide learners with guidelines for their creative writing challenge:
The chapter should fit seamlessly into the storyline of Seven.
It should introduce new plot developments or character insights.
It should engage the reader emotionally and add depth to the narrative.
It should be no longer than two pages, encouraging concise and impactful writing.
Encourage learners to consider the themes and character motivations from the novel.
Independent Writing (45 minutes)
Allow learners to work individually or in pairs to write their own chapter for Seven following the provided guidelines. Emphasize creativity, character development, and emotional resonance.
Peer Review and Discussion (20 minutes)
Learners exchange their chapters with a peer or a partner.
They review each other's work and discuss how well the new chapters meet the set criteria.
Encourage constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Class Share and Reflection (15 minutes)
Invite a few learners to share their chapters with the class.
Discuss how the learners' chapters differ from the ChatGPT-generated text and how they enhance the narrative.
Homework (optional)
Assign learners to revise their chapters based on peer feedback and bring an improved version to the next class.
Lesson: Seven Discussion Questions
Seven is set in a futuristic world where technology, just like today, plays a significant role in shaping society. How does the novel explore the consequences of technological advancements and their impact on human relationships and identity?
What is the significance of the character Arcturus’s name?
How does Arcturus's name relate to the themes of Seven?
The novel introduces the concept of transferring human consciousness to AI.
What ethical dilemmas and moral questions arise from this technology?
How do the characters grapple with these issues?
Seven often questions the propaganda she’s been fed. How does the theme of propaganda resonate with real-world concerns about information and misinformation?
How does the author use the character of Oriska Fingal to explore the dangers of demagoguery and extremist beliefs?
What parallels can you draw to real-world situations?
Discuss the role of augmented humans in the story, particularly Blythe. How does the concept of augmentation tie into the novel's themes of identity and human potential?
The narrative is told from multiple points of view, including a teenage girl, an AI, and a demagogue. How does this shifting perspective impact your understanding of the story?
Why do you think the author chose to use multiple points of view to tell the story?
The theme “Family often withholds secrets” is prevalent in Seven. How do the family dynamics between the characters evolve throughout the story?
What do the characters’ actions reveal about love, trust, and sacrifice?
Seven incorporates solarpunk elements, which envision a future with sustainable technology. How do the novel's solarpunk aspects align with environmental concerns?
How might it resonate with learners in a rural setting versus an urban setting?
How do Arcturus and other AI characters in the story compare to modern AIs?
Consider chatbot AIs we encounter in our daily lives, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and more.
What ethical considerations and potential consequences do you think arise when we create and interact with AI entities like Arcturus or real-world chatbots?