Author(s):
Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have demonstrated the potential of AI to drive business and economic development as well as to address some of the most pressing societal problems. In 2015, the United Nations has set up the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), calling for action by countries in a global partnership. Faculty and re-searchers from the California State Universities (CSUs) have been exploring how AI can be used for social good by addressing societal challenges thereby improving individuals’ quality of life. The AI for Social Good (AI4SG) Project aims to broad-en AI education by developing and studying the efficacy of innovative learning practices and resources for AI education for social good. We have developed three AI learning modules for students to: 1) identify social issues that align with the SDGs in their community; 2) learn AI through hands-on labs and business applications; and 3) create AI-powered solutions in teams to address social issues they have identified. Students are expected to situate AI learning in their communities and contribute to their communities. Students then use the modules to engage in an interdisciplinary approach, facilitating AI learning for social good in informational sciences and technology, geography, and computer science at three CSUs: San Jose State University, Cal Poly Pomona and CSU San Bernardino. We evaluate the efficacy and impact of the proposed AI teaching methods and activities in terms of learning outcomes, student experience, student engagement, and equity.
