This story contains sensitive, personal information that AI sometimes incorporates into their models unintentionally.
NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
Many medical centers use an AI-powered tool called Whisper to transcribe patients’ interactions with their doctors. But researchers have found that it sometimes invents text, a phenomenon known in the industry as hallucinations, raising the possibility of errors like misdiagnosis.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- What are "hallucinations" as they relate to AI?
- Where are AI transcriptions used?
- When did AI transcriptions begin to be used?
- How does OpenAI's Whisper model work? What errors did it make?
- Why is an AI system that makes errors during people's medical appointments a problem?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
- Does this piece change your perspective on AI? If so, why?
- Do you think there needs to be more legal protections regarding patients' private medical information when artificial intelligence tools are being used? Explain.
Media literacy: What else would you like to know about the use of AI in medical settings? How could you find this information out?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
With a partner, choose one of the videos below to watch on AI and discuss some its benefits and pitfalls. Do you think the public understands AI to the degree it needs to? What entities could help the American people better understand how AI works?
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek shakes up industry and disrupts financial markets
A China-based artificial intelligence startup is shaking up the industry. It’s called DeepSeek and its biggest advantage, analysts say, is that it can operate at a lower cost than American AI models like ChatGPT. It's disrupting markets and raising national security questions about China's progress to develop advanced AI.
How artificial intelligence impacted our lives in 2024 and what's next
Artificial intelligence continued to redefine the tech landscape in 2024, driving change in a wide range of fields. AI has quickly become a part of everyday life, with AI-powered features integrated into everything from search engines and cell phones to hospital equipment and politics. Jeffrey Brown discussed the year's ups and downs in AI advancement with Reed Albergotti of Semafor.
This lesson was written by Payton Alfieri, a junior at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, with editing by Vic Pasquantonio.
Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources.
