Kids In the Designer Seat: Curriculum Strategies by Day of AI - MIT RAISE, Dr Eric Klopfer

• In Event: Roundtable Session 6
  In Refereed Roundtable Session: Future-Proofing Education: The What, Why, and How of Building a Digitally Intelligent Generation

Proposal

This presentation examines the findings from the program evaluations of the Day of AI, a global initiative designed to foster AI literacy in over 100 countries. Developed by MIT RAISE (Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education), provides hands-on curriculum modules aimed at K-12 students and teachers. MIT RAISE makes the materials available worldwide at no charge under a Creative Commons open-source license. The curriculum introduces foundational concepts of artificial intelligence, ethical considerations, and societal impacts, and is designed to be hands-on, inclusive, and flexible, accommodating teachers with little to no technical background. They span various tracks, offering a comprehensive understanding of AI and its role in modern society. Activities range from unplugged exercises to generative AI tools to introductory coding tasks, helping students understand key AI concepts such as machine learning, data ethics, and societal impacts.

Students need to move beyond passive interaction with AI to active agents of change that shape the tools and systems they will engage with in the future. The presentation will evaluate how the Day of AI curriculum has facilitated this shift. The theoretical contribution of this work draws on constructivist learning theory, emphasizing active learning where students become critical thinkers and ethical creators of digital technologies. Day of AI’s approach encourages and trusts students in the designer’s seat.

Through qualitative and quantitative research methods, the presentation will showcase the measurable impact on both students and teachers worldwide and more importantly the factors that contribute to it. For instance, in a 2023 evaluation, students’ AI knowledge improved significantly, with reported knowledge increasing from an average of 2.4 to 4.3. Moreover, 77% of teachers observed increased student optimism about AI’s potential benefits to society. The curriculum also fostered a sense of agency in students, with 61% feeling they could contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of AI.

Central to the presentation is the analysis of program evaluations that demonstrate the curriculum’s adaptability to diverse socio-economic and cultural contexts. Through case studies, it will explore how teachers are empowered to contextualize the materials. It also delves into the power of partnerships and collaborative effort to amplify AI literacy initiatives. For example, Day of AI established partnerships with organizations in Australia, the Philippines, and India, expanding the reach and adaptation of the curriculum to regional needs.

Inspired by the Day of AI model, the presentation will conclude by discussing learnings, strategies, and key principles for curriculum design that meaningfully empower learners and educators to be AI-literate.

Author

• Daniella DiPaola, Massachusetts Institute of Technology