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What lies outside an AI model’s code?

An AI service also depends on labour, materials, infrastructure and institutions.

AI & computationTopic · Selected readingSome background helpful
Background and goal

Try the short introduction first, or bring equivalent reading experience. Obtain the specified text before beginning the longer reading.

Trace one voice-assistant request through five dependencies and distinguish what is visible to the user from what is hidden.

Useful preparation

Start here if the background is new. Equivalent experience is enough.

Your pathway

5 steps · 14 hours
  1. 01

    Locate the reading

    0.25h · week 1
    Reading notes and task
    First fifteen minutesCheck the edition or article version and locate the passages below. Write the question you want the reading to resolve.
    Your outputEdition and passage record
  2. 02

    Study the opening

    4h · week 1
    Anatomy of an AI System

    Kate Crawford · Vladan Joler · reference

    Anatomy of an AI System: diagram overview and the first explanatory sections

    Free full text

    Open the reading
    Reading notes and task

    Anatomy of an AI System. An AI service also depends on labour, materials, infrastructure and institutions.

    Try thisRead Anatomy of an AI System: diagram overview and the first explanatory sections. Reconstruct the central argument using premises and a conclusion.
    Your outputArgument reconstruction
    Check your understanding

    Answer this question in your own words: What lies outside an AI model’s code?

    Hint

    Name the claim, then explain why a reader might accept it.

    Compare with an example answer

    An AI service also depends on labour, materials, infrastructure and institutions.

    What to look for

    • States a claim that addresses the question
    • Connects the claim to a passage or observation
    • Separates the author’s argument from personal agreement

    Common mistake: Summarising a biography instead of explaining the argument.

    Start this pathway to keep your answers in My learning.

  3. 03

    Read for contrast

    5h · week 2
    Anatomy of an AI System

    Kate Crawford · Vladan Joler · reference

    Anatomy of an AI System: diagram overview and the first explanatory sections

    Free full text

    Open the reading
    Reading notes and task

    Anatomy of an AI System. An AI service also depends on labour, materials, infrastructure and institutions.

    Try thisRead Anatomy of an AI System: diagram overview and the first explanatory sections. Compare two passages that put pressure on your initial interpretation.
    Your outputTwo-passage comparison
  4. 04

    Develop an example

    3h · week 3
    Reading notes and task
    Try thisTrace one voice-assistant request through five dependencies and distinguish what is visible to the user from what is hidden.
    Your outputWorked example
    Check your understanding

    What would make your activity a convincing example?

    Hint

    Trace one voice-assistant request through five dependencies and distinguish what is visible to the user from what is hidden.

    Compare with an example answer

    A useful response carries out the task: Trace one voice-assistant request through five dependencies and distinguish what is visible to the user from what is hidden. It records the observation or passage used and explains how it bears on the question.

    What to look for

    • Completes the specific task
    • Shows evidence or reasoning rather than only a conclusion
    • Identifies an alternative explanation or reading

    Common mistake: Presenting an opinion without showing the example it rests on.

    Start this pathway to keep your answers in My learning.

  5. 05

    Write a considered response

    1.75h · week 4
    Reading notes and task
    Try thisWrite a response to “What lies outside an AI model’s code?” that uses both passages and tests its own conclusion. A systems map is a starting point for investigation, not a complete causal account.
    Your outputReasoned response with references
    Check your understanding

    What is one conclusion this reading does not establish?

    Hint

    Test the boundary: A systems map is a starting point for investigation, not a complete causal account.

    Compare with an example answer

    A systems map is a starting point for investigation, not a complete causal account.

    What to look for

    • States a specific limit
    • Explains why the reading does not warrant the stronger conclusion
    • Distinguishes a limitation from dismissing the work

    Common mistake: Treating a useful interpretation as an unrestricted fact.

    Start this pathway to keep your answers in My learning.

All 1 resources

Background, different viewpoints, and further reading.

  • Anatomy of an AI System

    Kate Crawford · Vladan Jolerreferencecore

    An AI service also depends on labour, materials, infrastructure and institutions.

    Anatomy of an AI System: diagram overview and the first explanatory sections