High schoolers build AI tool to combat online misinformation

Innovative high school AI course tackles real-world problems: Students at Amador Valley High School in California are developing advanced technology solutions, including an AI-powered fact-checker, as part of a unique computer science class.

• The course, led by teacher Kevin Kiyoi, focuses on emerging technologies and allows students to apply their skills to issues they care about, from environmentalism to civic engagement.
• Students are given the freedom to create solutions with minimal oversight, setting this class apart from other computer science courses in the area.
• The hands-on, student-driven nature of the class has led to professional opportunities for some students, including internships at cybersecurity companies.

AI fact-checker project showcases student innovation: A standout project from the class involves the creation of an AI-powered fact-checker, which was tested on live presidential debates.

• Students used thousands of news articles to train the fact-checker and employed speech-to-text technology or live transcriptions to identify and verify statements.
• The project required students to learn about AI and large language models, as well as compile up-to-date information and problem-solve along the way.
• During testing, students had to overcome inherent issues with AI, such as bias and hallucinations, to improve the tool’s accuracy.
• In a live test run using a presidential debate, the fact-checker showed 87 percent accuracy when compared to manual fact-checking efforts.

Practical applications and real-world impact: The class encourages students to develop projects with potential real-world applications, fostering a sense of engagement and relevance in their learning.

• Another student-initiated project focused on waste management, creating a prototype that identifies whether an item is trash, recyclable, or compostable.
• This waste management project secured angel investing to continue development and testing in the school lunchroom.
• Current projects include a Morse code translator, demonstrating the diverse range of technologies students are exploring.

Skill development beyond technology: The advanced class teaches students valuable soft skills that complement their technical knowledge.

• Students learn presentation, collaboration, and organization skills, preparing them for future academic and professional endeavors.
• The class structure allows students to contribute to their own education, increasing engagement and interest in the learning process.

Professional opportunities arise from classroom experience: The skills gained in Kiyoi’s class have led to internship opportunities for some students at cybersecurity companies.

• Two students, Abhinav Garg and Harshita Keerthipati, secured internships that transitioned into yearlong contracts.
• Their professional experience includes working directly with clients and learning advanced cybersecurity concepts like penetration testing and policy updates.
• Both students credit their experience in Kiyoi’s class for preparing them for their professional roles.

Broader implications for high school education: This innovative approach to high school computer science education demonstrates the potential for integrating advanced technologies and real-world problem-solving into the curriculum.

• The success of this program highlights the importance of hands-on, project-based learning in preparing students for future careers in technology.
• By allowing students to work on cutting-edge technologies and tackle real-world issues, the course bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical application.
• The trust placed in high school students to work on advanced technological projects may inspire other schools to adopt similar approaches, potentially transforming STEM education at the secondary level.