OVERVIEW

Activity Overview:

This lesson will introduce students to the differences between an avatar, a virtual human, and artificial intelligence. They will learn what each can do and discuss what jobs are better suited to each one.

Meta description

• Subject Area: Computer Science, Technology
• Grade Level : 3-5
• Computer Science Domains:
  • Impacts of Computing
• Computer Science Principles:
  • Fostering an Inclusive Computing Culture
  • Collaborating Around Computing
  • Creating Computational Artifacts
• Materials:
  • Website, Canva, openai.com, https://code.org/ai

Lesson Plan

Overview

This lesson will introduce students to the differences between an avatar, a virtual human, and artificial intelligence. They will learn what each can do and discuss what jobs are better suited to each one.

ASSESSMENT PRE/POST-TEST

What is an avatar? What is a virtual human and how is it different than an avatar? What are 3 things AI can be used to do?

OBJECTIVES

Identify the differences between an avatar and a virtual human List 3 things a virtual human would be used for instead of an avatar List 5 potential personalizations that would be important to them Create their own avatar in Canva and talk about why they chose certain characteristics

CATCH/HOOK

Youtube videos of AI and robotics

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS

For the first lesson I will be introducing the concepts of avatars, self-similar avatars, avatar personalization, virtual reality, AI, and virtual humans. At this grade level many students will be familiar with avatars as they relate to apps and games but may not know the correct terminology or subtle differences.
Second, we will examine AI and discuss what it can and cannot do. Wyoming Computer Science Standards address giving credit and appropriate use (5.IC.SLE.01) so this is a good opportunity to talk about ChatGPT and programs that can be used in questionable ways but also as perhaps a tool. For example, we can talk about plagiarism and using your own ideas and words, but how some tools can help you polish what you want to say. Finally, I will have my students design their own avatar. This will be an opportunity to talk about what personalizations are available and how representation is important. We will discuss what elements are available for personalization such as race, gender, disability, clothing choices and more to talk about if they feel they can accurately represent themselves online and how to be safe with what you share.

Supplements

Any items in this section are the property & under the license of their respective owners.

REVIEW

What is an avatar versus a virtual human?
What are their jobs and why are they important? What is the big deal about AI and how can you use it as a tool? (brief intro) Why is personalization important? (referencing representation, control of how you want to be viewed) How much change is ok? Discussion How can we be secure with our avatars and virtual humans? How much information should you share?

STANDARDS