According to the Leaving Certificate Computer Science curriculum, “the accelerated expansion of computing technologies and artificial intelligence into all our lives means students need to understand the principles of computer science now, more than at any other time. “

In line with the learning objectives outlined in the Leaving Certificate Computer Science curriculum, ICDL’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) module, provides students with an understanding of the key concepts and potential of Artificial Intelligence and addresses the complex relationship between computing technologies and society.

The AI module identifies important computing developments and considers emerging trends that could shape future computing technologies. This module provides students with an insight into the Leaving Certificate Computer Science curriculum and develops an appreciation of the effect emerging technology may have on education, the workforce, and society.

Build an understanding of the key concepts and potential of Artificial Intelligence

Module overview

CategorySkill set
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Define the term AI

  • Three stages of AI: narrow, general, super

  • Key milestones in the development of AI
How does AI Work?
  • Key principles underpinning AI: algorithms, complexity, heuristics

  • Machine learning definition and key characteristics

  • Neural network: definition and key characteristics

  • Deep learning: definition and key characteristics
Common AI examples
  • Identify the need for AI in organisations and society

  • Examples of how AI supports data mining
    Examples of how AI supports natural language processing
    Examples of how AI supports decision making
AI Adoption Challenges and Potential
  • Recognise limits to AI
  • Recognise ethical guidelines that should inform the operation of AI:clarity and desirability of purpose, transparency, competence in operations
  • Social and economic impact of AI
  • Potential & implications of AI for different sectors

  • Implications of adopting AI in a given scenerio

Main learning outcomes

The Artificial Intelligence module consists of elearning followed by a brief certification test.  Together, these components deliver a short, focused learning solution.  On completion, students will be able to:

  • define Artificial Intelligence and recognise the stages and development milestones 
  • understand how AI works, including the key principles underpinning AI
  • define the terms machine learning, neural network and deep learning and the characteristics of each
  • identify the need for AI and recognise examples of how AI supports data mining, natural language processing and decision making
  • recognise the limits, ethical guidelines, social and economic impact, as well as  the potential and implications of AI

Syllabus

The detailed syllabus for the Artificial Intelligence module is publicly available, so that there is complete clarity about what is covered.

The syllabus document, which sets out the specific skills and knowledge that you will learn and against which you will be certified, can be downloaded here.


Offer ICDL in your school

ICDL is a global digital skills certification. With a wide range of courses to choose from, ICDL offers the real world digital skills your students need to excel and become more productive learners, employees, entrepreneurs and citizens.

To offer ICDL to your learners, students and staff contact us

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