02 December 2024
Introducing AI to Primary Education and KS3 - CAS TC Meeting
If you were unable to join us for the recent thematic community meeting on introducing AI in primary education and KS3, don’t worry! Below is a summary of the session's highlights, alongside resources to explore further.
Key Takeaways
- Students’ initial understanding of AI can serve as a foundation to build more advanced concepts.
- Hands-on activities like image recognition projects make AI concepts engaging and accessible.
- Real-world applications of AI, such as warehouse automation, resonate well with students.
- Ethical discussions around AI promote critical thinking about bias, privacy, and job displacement.
- Incremental lesson planning helps maintain engagement and ensures successful outcomes.
Introducing AI Adventure: Explore, Create, Innovate
Recently, we hosted a thematic meeting in two parts to introduce our exciting new resource, AI Adventure: Explore, Create, Innovate. The sessions, which are now available as recordings (linked below), provide a comprehensive guide to implementing AI in primary education and KS3.
The meeting was divided into two sessions:
- KS2/3 AI Resources for the Specialist Computing Teacher – Presented by Henry Penfold, this session explored advanced tools and activities for computing specialists.
- KS2 AI Resources for the Non-Specialist Teacher – Led by Ben Davies, this session made AI concepts accessible for non-specialists, offering adaptable resources and classroom strategies.
The following sections outline the key features of the AI Adventure resource and how it can support educators. The session began with a discussion on students’ baseline understanding of AI. Teachers noted that while many students were aware of tools like Alexa or Siri, they often lacked knowledge of the broader applications and history of artificial intelligence. This highlights the importance of starting lessons with foundational discussions, allowing students to share their own ideas and build upon them.
One engaging activity involved students researching AI's role in different industries, such as entertainment and healthcare. This task not only enhanced their research skills but also provided a broader perspective on how AI impacts various sectors.
How AI Works: A Practical Approach
Session two delved into the mechanics of AI systems, focusing on how they learn through data. The Machine Learning for Kids platform was showcased as an excellent resource, enabling students to create their own image recognition tools. By using this platform, students experimented with categorising images and training their AI models, fostering discussions on accuracy and data quality. Differentiated tasks allowed for varying levels of challenge, making the lesson suitable for diverse abilities.
Real-World AI Applications
Exploring real-world AI applications was a central theme in session three. The Ocado AI resources provided practical examples of warehouse automation, illustrating how robots use image detection to solve logistical problems. Students then worked collaboratively on designing their own AI-driven recycling systems, considering what data and features their systems would require. This activity encouraged problem-solving and critical thinking.
Ethics of AI
In session four, the focus shifted to ethical considerations. Students explored key topics such as bias, privacy, and job displacement through guided research. Using a curated Google Doc on AI ethics, they examined real-world issues and reflected on their changing perceptions of AI since the first session. This segment emphasised the importance of equipping students with the tools to critically assess AI's societal impact.
Building AI Projects: Chatbots
The final session revolved around creating chatbots using step-by-step instructions from Machine Learning for Kids. Students planned and designed their chatbots in one lesson and built them in another, ensuring a focused approach. The exercise demonstrated how AI tools can provide practical, real-world solutions, and many students succeeded in creating functional chatbots by the end of the project.
Next Steps
As you reflect on your own teaching practices, consider the following questions:
- How can you integrate hands-on AI projects into your curriculum?
- What ethical considerations around AI should your students explore?
- Are there real-world AI applications relevant to your students’ lives that you could discuss?
Try these example exercises in your classroom:
- Research how AI impacts everyday technologies (e.g., facial recognition or recommendation systems).
- Use free tools like Machine Learning for Kids to create simple AI projects.
- Host a debate on the pros and cons of AI in society.
Further Resources
To delve deeper, explore these links:
Recording: KS2 AI resource for the Non-Specialist
Recording: KS2/3 AI Resources for the Specialist Computing Teacher
AI Adventure: Explore, Create, Innovate