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Designing AI Learning Experiences for K-12: Emerging Works, Future Opportunities and a Design Framework

Project Overview

The document explores the increasing significance of AI literacy in K-12 education, emphasizing the necessity for innovative design frameworks and tools to effectively teach AI concepts to students. It identifies existing resource gaps and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research at the intersection of human-computer interaction and education. A conceptual framework is presented to guide educators in creating enhanced AI learning experiences, tailored to the unique challenges faced in K-12 settings. The paper advocates for future curriculum design opportunities that aim to engage young learners and deepen their understanding of AI technologies, ultimately preparing them for a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.

Key Applications

Interactive AI Learning Framework and Curriculum Development

Context: K-12 education, targeting students and educators through structured courses, workshops, and interactive environments.

Implementation: Utilization of existing AI education tools, block-based programming environments, and interactive data visualization to teach AI concepts and facilitate the creation of AI applications while hiding programming complexity.

Outcomes: Enhanced understanding of AI concepts, increased student engagement, empowerment of students to create AI applications, and fostering of critical thinking skills.

Challenges: Limited prior experience of K-12 educators with AI, need for teacher training, cognitive overload from complex concepts, tight school schedules, and lack of accessible materials.

Implementation Barriers

Resource Availability

Limited access to tools and curriculum designed for teaching AI to K-12 students.

Proposed Solutions: Creation of comprehensive design frameworks and reference materials that cater specifically to K-12 educators.

Teacher Preparedness

Many K-12 educators lack training in AI concepts and how to teach them effectively.

Proposed Solutions: Professional development programs and workshops for teachers focusing on AI literacy and integration into existing curricula.

Curriculum Integration

Tight school schedules make it difficult to incorporate new AI curricula into K-12 education.

Proposed Solutions: Designing AI learning experiences that can be integrated into existing subjects rather than as standalone courses.

Project Team

Xiaofei Zhou

Researcher

Jessica Van Brummelen

Researcher

Phoebe Lin

Researcher

Contact Information

For information about the paper, please contact the authors.

Authors: Xiaofei Zhou, Jessica Van Brummelen, Phoebe Lin

Source Publication: View Original PaperLink opens in a new window

Project Contact: Dr. Jianhua Yang

LLM Model Version: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18