AI for Oceans

 AI for Oceans: 

To Guide You Better Understand What Machine Learning is 

                 Do you know what machine learning is? 

                                                        How does a machine learning work? 

Imagine that someone asks you the above questions. If you can answer them, you have a good understanding of what machine learning is and how it works. However, I needed clarification on what machine learning was. Then, I did hands-on activities using AI for Oceans website (please follow the website link). This website was engaging and helped me answer the two questions above. You must explore the website and immerse yourself in the AI robot there.   

I'll share my reflections below, which might explain why you should try the tool yourself.   

Despite its pros and cons, I am still grateful that computer-based technology tools exist. Their kinds, such as AI and other computer-assisted technology tools, have become additional ways for me to learn and study. These tools make it easy for me to gain new knowledge and skills. Having hands-on activities using AI for Oceans is an example of this. From the experience, I gained valuable knowledge and skills and access to discussions, readings, and lectures.  

After reading and watching videos, I needed to fully understand what AI was and how it worked (machine learning). However, having immersed myself in AI for Oceans, I gained a better understanding of AI, mainly how AI works and machine learning mechanisms. In AI for Oceans, I read the content and materials, watched videos, and had chances to create an AI robot. I taught the AI robot (the machine) on the website, where I acted as the mastermind of the AI robot to enable it to do some work (learning). Now, I have a better understanding of the concept of machine learning. Then, since I learned from more than one type of learning strategy (doing hands-on activities, reading, and watching videos), I got more than one input. Therefore, I understand what AI is and how it works.

Further, the activities led me to the conclusion that varying ways of learning can result in a better understanding of a complex or challenging concept. As an educator, I should provide more than one medium for students to study in addition to listening to my lecture. For example, I will provide my students with PDF handouts or video-based materials along with my lecturing time. In these ways, my students can get more than one input. The inputs can add and/or complement one another so that my students can have a well-rounded mastery (outputs) of what they learn.  

Using AI for Oceans also enlightened me on how bias occurs. For example, I taught the AI robot on that website to identify only a few correct cards and hit the continue button. It turned out that the robot made mistakes in determining the correct objects. From this experience, I learned that before a specific type of AI tool is launched to the public, there must be rigorous, proper tests to avoid bias. We have to make sure that the AI tools are taught properly and sufficiently.

Further, this experience makes me assume that some AI-based technology tools can be improved since they still make mistakes. The tools should be revisited regularly to ensure they meet the users' needs and avoid bias and unfairness. In addition, we should not trust AI tools one hundred percent since the creator might make some mistakes that result in biased AI tools. As an educator, I intend to make my students aware of the bias that AI tools have. For instance, I can ask them to access the AI in Oceans. Other than that, I can always discuss AI and its bias in my class.  

In addition, AI for Oceans educated me about oceans. I learned about AI during the hands-on activity. I also learned some facts about the condition of our oceans; for example, human trash pollutes the sea, and marine life is threatened by trash. The 'Did you know' pop-up window taught this knowledge during the hands-on activity using the AI for Oceans. Here, I learned how dangerous trash is to our oceans and the earth. I should always think carefully before buying something, whether the product is environmentally friendly or not. Then, I keep doing the reduce, reuse, and recycle activities to help minimize trash on earth.  

Another exciting part of the hands-on activity using AI for Oceans is that I learned about AI and oceans as they involve gamification. I realize I am no longer a kid or teenager, but I still enjoy the game. If people say that games do not apply to adults, games are always fun things to do, regardless of someone's age. In addition, learning through a gaming mode motivates me to follow and finish the game. I did not skip any parts but immersed myself in the game. Therefore, I plan to incorporate these gamification activities into my teaching, as they make learning more exciting and motivating.  

In conclusion, I learned a lot from the AI for Oceans activities. I gained knowledge about AI, what AI and machine learning are, how they work, and how bias happens, as well as skills such as computer skills as I navigated the website when accessing AI for oceans. In addition, I learned that our oceans are suffering and that some actions should be taken to save them. Ultimately, if I can share the website, I'd be happy to do that. I am determined to spread the knowledge I gained from AI for Oceans to my students.   

Below is the certificate that I earn from trying out the website