Module 4: Machine Learning & AI – Data Science Education for Ethical Use & Active Citizenship

Introduction

Module 4 is designed to equip participants with essential knowledge, critical perspectives, and practical strategies for introducing data science concepts within the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), with a strong emphasis on civic engagement and ethical responsibility. In response to the growing influence of data and AI across different sectors of society—affecting decisions in healthcare, media, education, public policy, and beyond—the module underscores the importance of data science literacy as foundational to informed and engaged citizenship. Participants will explore key ML processes, including data collection/generation, data preparation, AI model training, and result assessment, while also addressing critical issues such as bias identification in data and AI models, and the broader ethical implications of ML on society. They will also be introduced to instructional tools and strategies for integrating these topics into STEAM education, with a focus on enhancing students’ data science literacy and promoting civic engagement and social justice.