A pedagogical framework called "Students as AI Literate Designers" (SAILD) effectively improves elementary students' AI literacy through design-based learning approaches.

Objective: To develop and evaluate a pedagogical framework that integrates design-based learning into AI literacy education for elementary students, focusing on knowledge, skills, ethics, and attitudes.

Methods:

• Mixed-methods study with 50 Grade-5 students in Hong Kong
• Five 90-minute lessons over consecutive days
• Pre and post-tests measuring AI knowledge and attitudes
• Students worked in groups of 5 on collaborative design projects
• Data collection through knowledge tests, surveys, user portfolios, and semi-structured interviews
• Implementation of SAILD framework combining design and research components

Key Findings:

• Significant improvement in students' AI knowledge test scores (pre: M=9.52, post: M=13.77)
• Enhanced AI skills development through practical problem-solving
• Improved understanding of AI ethics and societal implications
• More balanced and rational attitudes toward AI after intervention
• Increased motivation to learn about AI
• Some misconceptions persisted (25% maintained simplistic views of AI)

Implications:

• Demonstrates effectiveness of design-based learning for AI education
• Provides evidence-based approach for teaching AI literacy
• Offers accessible framework for implementing AI education without expensive resources
• Supports development of both practical skills and ethical awareness
• Helps students develop more balanced perspectives on AI technology

Limitations:

• Short-term intervention period
• Limited exposure to AI tools (only Google Teachable Machine and Quick Draw)
• Single school sample with relatively high socioeconomic status
• Sample size of 50 students may not be representative
• Some persistent misconceptions about AI remained

Future Directions:

• Long-term studies to track sustained impact
• Research with larger, more diverse student populations
• Integration of more varied AI tools and applications
• Development of better scaffolding for conceptual understanding
• Investigation of effectiveness across different socioeconomic contexts

Title and Authors: "Students as AI literate designers: a pedagogical framework for learning and teaching AI literacy in elementary education" by Miao Yue, Morris Siu-Yung Jong, Yun Dai & Wilfred Wing-Fat Lau

Published On: January 21, 2025

Published By: Journal of Research on Technology in Education