A Novel Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Course for Secondary School Students

Joyce Mahon, Keith Quille, Brian Mac Namee, Brett A. Becker

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

We present an overview of a "Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence"course that is part of a large online course platform for upper second level students. We take a novel approach to teaching fundamental AI concepts that does not require code, and assumes little prior knowledge including only basic mathematics. The design ethos is for students to gain an understanding of how algorithms can "learn". Many misconceptions exist about this term with respect to AI and can lead to confusion and more serious misconceptions, particularly for students who engage with AI-enabled tools regularly. This approach aims to provide insights into how AI actually works, to demystify and remove barriers to more advanced learning, and to emphasize the important roles of ethics and bias in AI. We took several steps to engage students, including videos narrated by a final-year second-level student (US 12th grade). We present design and logistics particulars on this course which is currently being taken by ∼7,000 students in Ireland. We believe this will be of value to other educators and the wider community.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSIGCSE 2022 - Proceedings of the 53rd ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education V.2
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery, Inc
Pages1155
Number of pages1
ISBN (Electronic)9781450390712
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Mar 2022
Event53rd Annual ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, SIGCSE 2022 - Virtual, Online, United States
Duration: 3 Mar 20225 Mar 2022

Publication series

NameSIGCSE 2022 - Proceedings of the 53rd ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education V.2

Conference

Conference53rd Annual ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, SIGCSE 2022
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityVirtual, Online
Period3/03/225/03/22

Keywords

  • ai
  • artificial intelligence
  • computing education k-12
  • machine learning
  • outreach

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A Novel Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Course for Secondary School Students'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this