"What Would You Ask an AI Expert?": A Simple Question Reveals Complex K-12 Student Thinking

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Friday 1:45 pm
  In Poster Session: Examining the use of generative AI in educational contexts.

Abstract

This study examines K-12 students’ curiosities about AI and its creators by analyzing questions they would pose to a AI expert, and especially a female AI scientist. Survey responses from 283 mostly secondary school students were thematically analyzed. Students expressed curiosity about the expert’s career, personal motivation, how AI works, and its societal impact. A statistically significantly higher number of female students would pose additional questions if the expert were female, with questions mostly centered on gender-related experiences. The findings suggest students view and perspectives of AI, especially as a human endeavor, revealing sophisticated levels of awareness. The study highlights the importance of integrating humanistic perspectives and diverse role models into K–12 AI literacy initiatives.

Author

• Shuchi Grover, Looking Glass Ventures