Workshop Overview

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already shaping how we live, learn, and work, from the chatbots we talk to online, to facial recognition, smart assistants, and even self-driving cars. This hands-on workshop introduces students to real-world AI innovations and guides them to think critically about how these technologies work and who they impact.

In the Beginner Track, learners will discover the AI tools they already use every day and get a chance to build simple interactive bots in a safe, guided environment. In the Advanced Track, students will dig deeper into how AI systems are designed, explore the social and ethical questions surrounding them, and design problem-based AI solutions inspired by real community challenges.

By the end of the session, every participant will walk away with a stronger understanding of AI, practical skills they can build on, and a clearer picture of how they can be creators, not just consumers, of technology.

Beginner Track

Materials Required

Beginner AI Student PowerPoint (provided)
Internet-connected computer or laptop
Notebook and pen/pencil for idea sketching

Beginner Track Learning Outcomes

By the end of the beginner session, students will be able to:

Identify everyday AI
Recognize common examples of AI in daily life (search engines, recommendation systems, voice assistants, photo filters, etc.) and describe what makes them “intelligent.”
Understand how AI helps humans
Explain how AI systems assist people in tasks like navigation, translation, fraud detection, health checks, and more, using simple real-world scenarios.
Build and interact with simple AI/chatbots
Take part in a guided activity to create or customize a basic chatbot/AI bot, learning how inputs, rules, and responses connect.
Think critically about ethical AI
Discuss age-appropriate examples of AI “gone wrong” (bias, unfair decisions, privacy concerns) and share ideas on how to use AI responsibly.
Explore how AI is evolving
Reflect on how AI is changing schools, work, and entertainment, and imagine future AI tools they might want to create or use.

Advanced Track

Materials Required

Advanced AI Student PowerPoint (provided)
Internet-connected computer or laptop
Notebook for brainstorming and planning solutions

Advanced Track Learning Outcomes

By the end of the advanced session, students will be able to:

Analyze key AI innovations and real use cases
Examine real-world AI systems (e.g., medical diagnosis tools, autonomous vehicles, large language models) and describe their purpose, strengths, and limitations.
Discuss social, ethical, and technical implications
Explore questions around bias, data privacy, surveillance, job automation, and fairness, and practice forming informed opinions about responsible AI design.
Develop prototype AI-inspired solutions
Work in teams or individually to design a prototype concept (e.g., an AI app or system) that solves a real problem in their school, community, or the wider world, using clear inputs, outputs, and logic.
Evaluate reliability and scalability
Consider what makes an AI system trustworthy and scalable, data quality, testing, feedback loops, security, and apply these ideas when refining their solution.
Explore future trends and opportunities in AI
Discuss emerging directions such as AI in healthcare, climate action, education, and creative industries, and identify possible pathways to careers and further learning in AI and technology.

If you’re unsure who your Chapter Leader is, please contact eventsupport@blackboyscode.com to get connected and learn how you can support your local team.

Register Now, Space Is Limited!

For further questions you may have on the day of the workshop, please reach out to Ottawa.ExposureWorkshop@blackboyscode.com

Or student.help@blackboyscode.com

Register Now, Space Is Limited!

Registrations are closed

Black Boys Code Ottawa - AI Solving Real-World Problems