a computer that stores, manages and shares files, data and resources in a network

a facility that houses servers, storage systems and networking equipment to store, process and distribute data

the process of an AI system analysing large datasets to identify patterns and refine the algorithms it uses to predict outputs

discarded electrical or electronic equipment like phones, laptops and batteries

The environmental impacts of AI

Digital literacy

Introduction to AI and digital tools

Chatbots and digital boundaries

Understanding bias in AI

AI influence and online behaviour

Being a critical user of AI tools

Pupils explore how AI and digital tools shape online search, communication and interaction. They consider environmental impacts and AI bias. Pupils learn about AI chatbots and influence, and reflect on how to use AI systems critically, safely and responsibly.

Using AI and digital tools responsibly

What are the two primary resources that data centres need massive amounts of to keep servers running?

it has to travel further across the internet

traditional searches don't use data centres

it uses more bright colours on the screen

it must calculate new patterns and create a response every time

Why does a generative AI search use more energy than a traditional web search?

Which stage of an AI system's life cycle is generally considered the most resource-heavy and energy-intensive?

they produce large amounts of e-waste (electronic waste) from outdated chips

plastic is used in the mouse and keyboard

large areas of land are used for data centre warehouses

What are some of the hidden environmental impacts of AI hardware?

the hardware is made of glass, which breaks easily

AI technology moves so fast that hardware becomes outdated in 2–3 years

AI hardware is designed to be thrown away after one use

Why does AI hardware (like GPUs) create more e-waste than standard office computers?

when you want to write a new fictional story

when you want to generate a brand new image

when you are looking up existing information or facts

when you want to have a long conversation with a chatbot

From the following list, choose the task where using a standard search engine would be more appropriate than using an AI tool.

it is the only way to contact a group of people

you can send images, videos and voice notes

it doesn't require an internet connection

Which of these is a benefit of using an instant messaging app compared to a traditional phone call?

a school virtual learning environment (VLE)

Many digital tools fall into more than one category. Which of the following are examples of an 'interaction tool'?

standard search engines are always faster

generative AI only works on mobile phones

generative AI creates new content based on a prompt

standard search engines cannot find images

What is the main difference between a standard search engine and generative AI?

it deletes every second word in a long sentence

it asks a human to read the article and write a summary

it translates the text into a different language first

it identifies patterns to predict which sentences are most important

How does AI summarisation technology work?

they make computers run too slowly to use

access to the most advanced systems is unequal

Which of the following is a challenge specifically related to AI systems?

When a social media app suggests a video "Because you watched...", what AI feature is it using?

The environmental impacts of AI

Lesson outcome