The Ernst Klett Verlag, the Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems (IAIS), and the Lamarr Institute for Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence have developed a digital learning course on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for schools. The course, titled “Understanding AI,” is aimed at students in grades 7 to 10 and is interdisciplinary. The teaching material is available for free until the end of March 2025.
The course is designed to introduce children and teenagers to the opportunities and risks associated with AI by teaching them the basics and practical applications. In the first two modules, students will learn key concepts and relationships and experiment with easy-to-use tools for machine learning and programming. The practical application fields of the learning materials reflect the interdisciplinary nature of AI and offer examples from various sectors such as climate research, medicine, and the automotive industry.
The “Understanding AI” eCourse was developed in collaboration with teachers from different subjects and AI experts. The content aims to enable students to competently evaluate AI and use it as a tool. Teachers can adapt the learning material flexibly to the individual needs of their classes. Besides technical understanding, the course also aims to instill ethical awareness and critical thinking, ensuring that AI is used responsibly and meaningfully.
“With ‘Understanding AI,’ we aim to bridge the gap between the dynamic development of Artificial Intelligence and the requirements of school education,” explains Maximilian Schulyok, Managing Director of Ernst Klett Verlag, who recently launched an AI chatbot for teachers.
The focus of the course is on making AI accessible and understandable for young learners. By engaging with AI technologies, students can gain insights into how these technologies impact various aspects of life and society. The course encourages students to think critically about the role of AI in the world and equips them with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly digital environment.
Understanding AI is crucial in today’s world, where technology is rapidly advancing. By introducing students to AI concepts early, the course prepares them for future challenges and opportunities in the digital age. It emphasizes the importance of being informed and responsible users of technology.
The course also highlights the ethical considerations of AI, encouraging students to reflect on how AI should be used ethically and responsibly. This aspect of the course is essential as AI continues to play a significant role in decision-making processes across various industries.
By providing free access to this course, the developers aim to democratize AI education, making it available to a wider audience. This approach ensures that students from different backgrounds have the opportunity to learn about AI, regardless of their school’s resources.
The collaboration between educational institutions and AI experts in creating this course demonstrates the importance of interdisciplinary efforts in education. It brings together different perspectives and expertise to develop a comprehensive learning experience that addresses both technical and ethical aspects of AI.
As AI continues to evolve, courses like “Understanding AI” are vital in preparing the next generation for the challenges and opportunities of the future. By fostering a deep understanding of AI, the course empowers students to become informed and responsible citizens in a technology-driven world.