Young Children’s Preconceptions of Artificial Intelligence (AI): A Draw-a-Picture Analysis

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 1:45 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: AI and Teaching and Learning (Table 1)

Abstract

Studies have been conducted to create learning activities for children's development of AI literacy, but seldom did they investigate the resources children have prior to instructions. The purpose of this study is to explore young children’s preconceptions of AI and the sources of their viewpoints. Two hundred sixty-one primary school students were recruited to finish the draw-a-picture task, and 32 students participated in the follow-up sharing. Through the drawing analysis, we identified five categories and 28 subcategories to describe young children’s impressions of AI. Moreover, our analysis revealed that everyday technology and media act as two major sources. Methodological and practical implications were discussed.

Authors

• Xinyu Chang, University of Hong Kong

• Zhenping Yan, Baoan School Affiliated to HSAS

• Ka Wai Gary Wong, University of Hong Kong