Discussion Questions:
Can you think of a time when an algorithm impacted you or someone you know—positively or negatively?
How might students benefit from understanding how algorithms shape the information they see online?
What are some ways you could introduce algorithmic decision-making in your classroom, even if you’re not teaching computer science?
These questions are just starting points for reflection and discussion — there is no need to answer all of them. Focus on the ones that resonate most with your teaching experience and goals.
A time when an algorithm impacted someone I know is when they tried asking Alexa for something and Alexa could not identify their accent. It was frustrating for the person because they did not feel that their accent was hard to understand.
Student will benefit from understanding how algorithms shape the information they see online, because they will be filtered ads, music, tv shows, news, etc based on what they search, like or even view.
Some ideas for teaching algorithmic decision making in my class are: talking about what students sign up for in regard to classes and what classes are offered the following year, music suggestions or streaming suggestions if you share a family account and how it impacts what music or shows are suggested.