Teaching Teens to Think Like AI Ethicists

Shifting the AI Mindset in High Schools

In a cutting-edge educational experiment, a New Jersey high school is reframing artificial intelligence not as a futuristic threat or job-stealer, but as a practical tool for empowerment and ethical innovation. With AI’s rapid evolution creating both excitement and fear, the course is structured to demystify the technology while encouraging analytical discussions around its societal impact. Led by educator Laura Barlette, the curriculum has students working on real-world projects and using generative tools like ChatGPT—not as shortcuts, but as launchpads for critical thinking, creativity, and responsible tech use. The class emphasizes that AI can’t replicate emotional intelligence or values-driven decision-making, essentials in both life and leadership.

Learning to Use, Not Just Consume, AI

Rather than positioning AI as the centerpiece, the course weaves it into students’ broader understanding of technology’s role in society, addressing everything from bias in algorithms to the importance of human oversight. Students are encouraged to think about where AI can support their work but also where it must be challenged. The lesson here is clear: technical skills are only half the equation. Equally critical are the ethical frameworks and communication abilities that will define the next generation of leaders. In doing so, the course charts a future where young people are not passive users of AI, but informed, conscientious co-creators of it.