Black Boys Code Ottawa - Discovering Artificial Intelligence

Workshop Overview

January Workshop introduces students to how machines learn, see, and communicate—bringing Artificial Intelligence concepts to life through hands-on exploration and real-world examples.

In the Beginner Track, students explore Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision, learning how computers can “see” images, recognize patterns, and respond to visual input. Using Google’s Teachable Machine, students train their very first AI model by teaching a computer to recognize simple hand gestures or facial expressions. They quickly discover how AI learns from examples, just like humans do.

In the Advanced Track, students dive into Chatbots and Natural Language Processing (NLP), exploring how machines understand and generate human language. Through guided interaction with ChatGPT, learners experiment with prompts, analyze AI responses, and begin designing their own chatbot ideas, laying the foundation for more advanced AI projects in future sessions.

Across both tracks, students connect AI concepts to real-world technologies such as face unlock, self-driving cars, voice assistants, and customer-service bots.

This workshop is FREE, and all learning materials are provided.

Beginner Track – Introduction to AI & Computer Vision

Theme: What Can Computers See?

Beginner students are introduced to AI through visual learning. They compare how human eyes work versus how computers process images and learn how AI models are trained using examples. By the end of the session, each student will have trained and tested their own basic image-recognition model.

Materials Required

• Laptops or tablets with webcams
• Internet access for Teachable Machine
• Student workbooks for notes and activities

Beginner Track Learning Outcomes

• Understand AI & Computer Vision: Students define what AI is and how computers interpret images.
• Train an AI Model: Learners successfully train a basic image-recognition model using gestures or expressions.
• Differentiate AI vs Traditional Programs: Students recognize how AI learns from examples rather than fixed rules.
• Explore Real-World Applications: Learners identify where computer vision is used in everyday life.
• Think Creatively About AI: Students brainstorm ideas for how AI vision can solve real problems.

Advanced Track – Chatbots & Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Theme: Teach the Machine to Talk

Advanced learners explore how chatbots understand language and respond to users. Through structured experimentation with ChatGPT, students analyze how AI processes questions, recognizes patterns, and generates human-like responses. They also begin conceptualizing chatbot projects they can build over future workshops.

Materials Required

• Laptops with internet access
• Teacher-managed ChatGPT access
• Starter question worksheets
• Brainstorming templates and reflection journals

Advanced Track Learning Outcomes

• Define Chatbots & NLP: Students understand how conversational AI works.
• Analyze Real-World Chatbots: Learners identify chatbot use cases across industries.
• Interact Effectively with AI: Students practice asking meaningful and creative prompts.
• Evaluate AI Capabilities & Limits: Learners reflect on what AI can and cannot do.
• Design Chatbot Concepts: Students generate original chatbot ideas for future development.

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For further questions you may have on the day of the workshop, please reach out to [email protected]

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