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Wild About AI programme
Over the past six months, Tash Coulson has been enhancing the Wild About AI programme, Wildlife.ai’s online education resource designed for students aged 10–14.
Over the past six months, I have updated the Wild About AI programme, our online education resources. The programme enables students, aged 10-14 years old, to gain knowledge and understanding about artificial intelligence (AI) and how conservation organisations like Wildlife.AI use this technology to support conservation projects.
Wild About AI was originally introduced to +250 students in 2023. In 2024, we have been updating the program to provide more students with an understanding about AI systems, Mātauranga Māori and environmental conservation.
The refined program consists of six online lessons, each lasting 60 to 90 minutes, hosted on the LearnerMe digital learning platform. Leveraging this digital platform offers numerous benefits, including streamlined delivery and accessibility. Recognising the demands on teachers’ time, Wild About AI has been designed to be both teacher and student-friendly, requiring minimal setup. Additionally, the self-paced format empowers students to progress through the course independently, enabling teachers to focus their attention on students who may need extra support.
Here is an overview of the program:
Lesson 1: Introduction to AI
This lesson introduces students to AI, demystifying preconceived ideas and offering hands-on opportunities to explore and develop skills in different AI systems.
Interactive slide Lesson 1
Lesson 2: Marine Biodiversity in Aotearoa
Students shift their focus to Aotearoa’s marine biodiversity. They learn what it means to be kaitiaki (guardians), explore the diversity of endemic marine species, understand why these species need protection, research threats these species face and discuss potential conservation strategies.
Interactive slide Lesson 2
Each image is linked to a fact file with information summarised to ensure all students are able to access the information successfully.
Lesson 3: AI and Wildlife Conservation
This lesson combines AI with wildlife conservation. Students consider te Taiao (the natural world) from a Māori perspective, investigate endemic species, explore the threats they face, and learn how AI supports conservation efforts. They also brainstorm future applications of AI in conservation.
Interactive slide Lesson 3
Each image is linked to a fact file that summarises the various threats the species faces.
Lesson 4: Tapuae Marine Reserve
Using their knowledge of AI, marine biodiversity, and conservation, students focus on the Tapuae Marine Reserve. They learn about Ngā Motu / Sugar Loaf Islands and the cultural significance of the surrounding area. This lesson provides a hands-on opportunity to assist Marine Rangers by logging into Spyfish Aotearoa. Using their newly gained fish identification skills, students become citizen scientists, training computers to identify marine species from baited underwater video (BUV) footage.
Interactive slide Lesson 4
As well as fact files, students have access to relevant videos to assist with understanding.
Lesson 5: Fish Identification and Machine Learning
Students apply their fish identification knowledge to develop their own fish identification model. Using the “Machine Learning for Kids” program, they code their computers to successfully identify two different fish species.
Interactive slide Lesson 5
Fish identification fact file
Lesson 6: Independent Projects
By this stage, students have the knowledge and skills to take their learning to the next level. I have designed seven diverse projects that allow students to follow their interests—whether in coding, art and design, or research—to apply AI concepts to real-world problems.
Interactive slide Lesson 6
One of the lesson outlines for the students to follow.
Students are provided with exemplars, guidance around what information to include, websites to support with design and easily accessible information for them to draw on.
Design a conservation awareness poster
Once schools have successfully finished Wild About AI, Wildlife.AI will support schools in hosting an event to celebrate the students’ learning and achievements, providing an opportunity for them to showcase their mahi (work) to their peers, families, and communities.
What’s next?
Over the next four months, five schools and six classrooms across Taranaki will be participating in the pilot program. I am excited to support and observe teachers as they take the lead in conservation education. Stay tuned for updates as the program progresses and its impact unfolds.
