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Explore Research: The Ghost in the Machine - Media Literacy and Discernment in the Age of AI

$50.00

In an era of instant answers and AI-generated "slop," I believe that the most valuable skill a person can possess is knowing how to build the question, rather than knowing how to ask a LLM for the answer. This course takes inspiration from the "Encyclopedia Logic" that millennials and gen-X learned in the pre-digital age, which taught us how to distill complex ideas into workable research paths. Before we ever touch a keyboard, we should practice the art of the "Human Hypothesis," learning to map out information hierarchies and sharpen our own curiosity. By teaching their brains to function as a master architect of information rather than a passive consumer, each student will learn to navigate the digital world with the rigor and precision of a seasoned researcher.

The core of our curriculum for this course is a direct challenge to the "logic" of AI: if a computer can write your opinion, it isn't truly yours. Students will learn to form opinions and questions, verify sources, spot algorithmic bias, and fact-check AI-generated misinformation. To hit the ground running, each student should arrive with two topics they are personally curious to research, whether it's a historical mystery, a scientific phenomenon, or a niche hobby. We won't just find out what happened; we will find out what the kiddos think about it, ensuring that their own dazzling intellect is the star of the show.

In an era of instant answers and AI-generated "slop," I believe that the most valuable skill a person can possess is knowing how to build the question, rather than knowing how to ask a LLM for the answer. This course takes inspiration from the "Encyclopedia Logic" that millennials and gen-X learned in the pre-digital age, which taught us how to distill complex ideas into workable research paths. Before we ever touch a keyboard, we should practice the art of the "Human Hypothesis," learning to map out information hierarchies and sharpen our own curiosity. By teaching their brains to function as a master architect of information rather than a passive consumer, each student will learn to navigate the digital world with the rigor and precision of a seasoned researcher.

The core of our curriculum for this course is a direct challenge to the "logic" of AI: if a computer can write your opinion, it isn't truly yours. Students will learn to form opinions and questions, verify sources, spot algorithmic bias, and fact-check AI-generated misinformation. To hit the ground running, each student should arrive with two topics they are personally curious to research, whether it's a historical mystery, a scientific phenomenon, or a niche hobby. We won't just find out what happened; we will find out what the kiddos think about it, ensuring that their own dazzling intellect is the star of the show.

Academic Fine-Print for Grownups:

In an era of instant, AI-generated answers, it is easy for students to lose their own voices in the "gray mush" of an algorithm. This course invites students to step out of the passenger seat and become the architects of their own learning by rediscovering the "Encyclopedia Logic" of the pre-digital age. I teach preteens and teens how to distill big ideas into precise questions, hunt for primary sources, and verify facts with the rigor of a scholar. By focusing on the human element, the personal curiosity and unique perspective that a machine simply cannot replicate, this class empowers students to think for themselves, stay grounded in reality, and ensure their intellect remains the strongest tool in their digital toolkit.

Learning Goals:

  • Master the Art of the Query: Students will learn to deconstruct complex topics into "searchable architectures," moving away from passive AI prompts toward precise, expert-level research strategies.

  • Develop Radical Discernment: Through "Lateral Reading" and "Hallucination Hunts," students will learn to spot algorithmic bias and verify information across multiple independent sources before accepting it as fact.

  • Cultivate an Original Voice: Students will practice synthesizing research into arguments that prioritize human intuition, personal anecdote, and niche context over the predictable patterns of AI models.

  • Build Digital Resilience: By analyzing the "why" behind their research, students will gain the confidence to navigate the overwhelming noise of the internet without losing their curiosity or their critical thinking skills.

For your Curriculum Records, we will cover:

  • Critical Thinking

  • Philosophy

  • Ethics

  • Creative Writing

  • Intro to Research

Dates and Location:

Section A: Ages 12+ will meet Sunday from 2-3pm Eastern, and will run from Sunday, May 30 through Sunday, June 6. Both classes will be held over Zoom.

Class Etiquette: I expect and require gentle, respectful language in my classes, and ask that all students come to class prepared to treat each other with kindness. These classes are a great opportunity for your kiddos to practice social/soft skills, with the underlying perspective that we’re all in this together.