Understanding AI, Bias, and Responsible Technology Use: AITECH Workshop for HARFA International School Students

On 23 April 2026, the Faculty of Science, University of Split, hosted a workshop for upper primary school students from HARFA International School as part of the outreach and dissemination activities of the AITECH project.

The workshop focused on explaining how artificial intelligence systems make decisions and draw conclusions, with special emphasis on understanding the principles behind machine learning systems. Through interactive demonstrations and discussions, students explored the idea that artificial intelligence is not based on “magic,” but rather on mathematics, algorithms, data, and computational models.

A second workshop session addressed the topic of bias in machine learning and the potential consequences that biased AI systems may produce in real-world applications. Using practical examples related to fruit recognition systems, participants discussed both the strengths and limitations of artificial intelligence technologies.

The activities aimed to encourage critical thinking about AI systems, responsible technology use, and the importance of selecting appropriate algorithms depending on the problem being solved. Particular attention was given to explaining how data quality and model design can significantly influence AI behaviour and decision-making processes.

The workshops were delivered by AITECH team members Dino Nejašmić and Saša Mladenović, with the participation of Petra Crmarić and Monika Mladenović.

The activity forms part of the broader goals of the AITECH project related to AI literacy, responsible use of artificial intelligence, and strengthening STEM competencies among younger learners through direct interaction with researchers and educators.

Funding Acknowledgement

This work was supported by the University of Split through the Institutional Research Funding Programme under the project “Artificial Intelligence for Future Technical Education and Industrial Competitiveness (AITECH)” (IP-UNIST-48), funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.