Understanding Teacher Perspectives and Experiences after Deployment of AI Literacy Curriculum in Middle-school Classrooms
Project Overview
The document explores the integration of the Responsible AI for Computational Action (RAICA) curriculum in middle schools, emphasizing the transformative impact of generative AI in education. It details how the implementation of AI literacy modules has enriched teachers' comprehension of AI concepts and fostered ethical dialogues in the classroom, ultimately enhancing student engagement through creative activities. Key applications of AI in this context include fostering critical thinking about technology and promoting responsible usage among students. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive professional development, external resources, and adaptable curricula to effectively navigate the challenges posed by AI education in varied classroom environments. Overall, the document illustrates the potential of generative AI to not only inform educational practices but also to empower both teachers and students in understanding and shaping the future of technology.
Key Applications
Responsible AI for Computational Action (RAICA) curriculum
Context: Middle school classrooms, targeting K12 students and their teachers
Implementation: Teachers engaged with the RAICA curriculum modules through semi-structured interviews, ongoing professional development, and collaborative interactions with researchers.
Outcomes: Teachers expanded their AI knowledge, recognized ethical implications, and creatively adapted curriculum materials to engage students effectively.
Challenges: Teachers faced technical issues with AI tools, required tailored support, and dealt with varying student readiness and understanding of AI concepts.
Implementation Barriers
Technical
Teachers encountered difficulties with new AI tools and platforms, leading to challenges in implementation. Additionally, teachers expressed feeling underprepared and requested additional training on AI concepts and ethical implications.
Proposed Solutions: Providing robust technical support and personalized training, including one-on-one code reviews, hands-on experiences, and implementing comprehensive teacher training sessions before curriculum deployment with resources for ongoing support.
Curriculum Flexibility
The open-ended nature of the curriculum sometimes led to confusion among students regarding project goals.
Proposed Solutions: Incorporating clearer guiding questions and structured project outlines to help maintain student focus.
Inclusivity
Need for accommodations for students with different learning needs and backgrounds.
Proposed Solutions: Integrating hands-on activities that do not rely heavily on technology and ensuring resources are accessible to all students.
Project Team
Prerna Ravi
Researcher
Annalisa Broski
Researcher
Glenda Stump
Researcher
Hal Abelson
Researcher
Eric Klopfer
Researcher
Cynthia Breazeal
Researcher
Contact Information
For information about the paper, please contact the authors.
Authors: Prerna Ravi, Annalisa Broski, Glenda Stump, Hal Abelson, Eric Klopfer, Cynthia Breazeal
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