Module 1 Instructor Notes

Teaching Goal

Students should leave the first module with a stable conceptual map of the field rather than a loose collection of examples.

Misconceptions to Watch For

• treating all AI systems as machine learning systems

• assuming generative AI represents the whole field

• confusing automation with intelligence in every case

• assuming symbolic AI is obsolete rather than differently suited

Facilitation Notes

• Ask students to classify examples before you introduce the categories formally.

• Use one symbolic case, one predictive case, and one generative case early.

• Keep returning to the question: what problem structure is the method responding to?

Grading Cue

In the assignment, prioritize the quality of explanation over whether students choose the exact same category you would. Strong reasoning matters more than rigid labeling.