Coding with Purpose: Learning AI in Rural California
Project Overview
The document explores the journey of a Latinx high school student from a rural agricultural community in California, emphasizing the role of generative AI in education through an autoethnographic case study. It underscores the necessity for inclusive AI education that acknowledges and respects the socioeconomic status, ethnoracial identity, and gender of students. The study illustrates how the student's identity shaped her engagement with AI and the various applications she developed, reflecting her desire to address social injustices through technology. It also highlights the significance of supportive relationships in her educational experience and the barriers she faced in accessing necessary resources. The findings advocate for the inclusion of marginalized voices in AI discussions, suggesting that empowering these students can lead to meaningful contributions in the field and promote equity in technology education. Overall, the document calls for a more equitable approach to AI education that not only fosters technical skills but also encourages critical thinking about the social implications of technology.
Key Applications
AI and Programming Mentorship Programs
Context: K-12 education, targeting underserved communities including Latinx high school students and young people, with programs like AI4ALL and CoderDojo that provide mentorship and hands-on projects.
Implementation: Students engage in collaborative and mentorship-driven programs such as AI4ALL and CoderDojo, where they learn about artificial intelligence and programming through peer collaboration, hands-on projects, and direct mentorship.
Outcomes: Participants gained knowledge and technical skills in AI and programming, developed an interest in computer science, and learned to apply these skills to address real-world issues in their communities.
Challenges: Common challenges include limited access to technology, transportation issues, lack of awareness about opportunities, and the need for ongoing supportive mentorship.
Implementation Barriers
Access Barrier
Limited access to technology and the internet, known as the digital divide.
Proposed Solutions: Providing resources such as funding for computers and internet access for students from marginalized communities.
Logistical Barrier
Transportation issues that hinder participation in educational programs and events.
Proposed Solutions: Organizing transportation support for students to attend programs or conducting programs closer to the students' homes.
Project Team
Stephanie Tena-Meza
Researcher
Miroslav Suzara
Researcher
AJ Alvero
Researcher
Contact Information
For information about the paper, please contact the authors.
Authors: Stephanie Tena-Meza, Miroslav Suzara, AJ Alvero
Source Publication: View Original PaperLink opens in a new window
Project Contact: Dr. Jianhua Yang
LLM Model Version: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18
Analysis Provider: Openai