Midterm Assessment

Midterm Assessment#

Date: End of Week 7 | Format: Exam or project | Duration: 2-3 hours (exam) or equivalent effort (project)

📝 Assessment Overview#

The midterm assesses your understanding of core concepts from Weeks 1-6 and your ability to analyze and apply them to new situations.

📋 Format Options#

Option A: Traditional Exam#

Structure:

• Part 1: Multiple Choice (20 questions, 30 min)

  • Concepts, key figures, historical facts, definitions

• Part 2: Short Answer (3 questions, 45 min)

  • Explain key concepts (e.g., “What is algorithmic bias?”)
  • Connect ideas (e.g., “How do training data decisions affect AI outcomes?”)

• Part 3: Essay (1 question, 60 min)

  • Analyze a case study or scenario
  • Apply course concepts to new situation

Option B: Comprehensive Project#

Choose one:

1. Case Study Deep Dive

   • Analyze a bias case from the course in greater depth
   • Develop actionable recommendations

2. Policy Synthesis

   • Compare 2-3 AI governance approaches
   • Argue for a comprehensive framework

3. Multimedia Presentation

   • Create a 15-20 minute presentation or video
   • Explain one major theme from the first half of the course

📌 Content Covered#

Conceptual Knowledge:

• AI and machine learning fundamentals
• How AI systems are trained and tested
• Types and sources of algorithmic bias
• Policy and governance frameworks
• Economic impacts and employment concerns
• Domain-specific applications and implications

Skills:

• Analyzing complex, ambiguous situations
• Identifying stakeholders and their interests
• Applying ethical frameworks to AI systems
• Evaluating policy tradeoffs
• Communicating nuanced perspectives

📋 Study Tips#

1. Review weekly materials: Readings, discussions, assignments
2. Make concept map: Connect key ideas together
3. Study case studies: Be able to explain what went wrong and why
4. Prepare examples: Have 3-4 concrete examples ready to discuss
5. Practice explaining: Can you explain concepts to someone unfamiliar?
6. Review feedback: Look at your assignment feedback from Weeks 1-6

📌 Exam Rubric (if traditional exam)#

💡 Exam Day Tips#

• Arrive early
• Bring ID and materials as specified
• Read questions carefully
• Budget your time (don’t spend 40 min on one question)
• Sketch an outline before writing essays
• Show your reasoning, even if unsure

📌 Accommodations#

Registered with ODS? Ensure your accommodations letter is submitted to your instructor at least 1 week before the exam.

❓ Questions?#

• Attend review session (date TBA)
• Schedule office hours
• Post in Q&A forum