What if you could create your own chatbot—and train it to think and respond? In this hands-on workshop, students explore the basics of coding and artificial intelligence by building and customizing their own chatbot. Along the way, they learn how to program in python, discover how to train AI systems, and the impact that training has on the technology we use every day.
Faculty Developer: Dr. Chris Mayfield, Computer Science
What students do:
Students will start by learning how to use user input and output in programs. Then they transition to learning about how AI chatbots work. They will use the skills learned to program and train their own chatbots. Towards the end, students come together to simultaneously train one chatbot, learning about the ethical and social issues that come along with training AI. Students leave knowing the basics of Python and generative artificial intelligence.
What students learn:
- Basic Python programming concepts (variables, input/output, and simple functions).
- How chatbots work and how they are trained using data.
- How to train a simple AI chatbot.
- The impact of data on chatbot responses and behavior.
- Real-world applications of artificial intelligence and computer science career.
- Ethical and societal considerations related to AI use and development.
Background Knowledge
Information for teachers:
Connection to research:
