Chapter 8 Reform, Challenges, and Future Research on AI for K-12 Education

Abstract

Thomas Chiu’s book is one of the first to look at the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on K-12 education in two areas: AI education, and AI in education. AI education refers to teaching AI, and AI in education refers to using AI to support learning and teaching. Chiu examines the opportunities and challenges of these impacts for teachers and students, proposes a framework and a set of principles for the two areas with examples, and suggests learning outcomes. AI in K-12 education is one of the most important global strategic initiatives since it has made and continues to make impacts on education and the job market. Including AI technology and topics in K-12 education not only helps children understand what AI technologies are and how they work, but also inspires future workplace readiness and potential AI researchers, ethical designers, and software developers. However, educators and AI experts in general realize that planning AI-related education is very challenging. It involves integrating the topics or technologies into the curriculum, necessitating teacher development to address the gaps in knowledge, addressing educational inequity, and securing equipment and resources. Understanding student and teacher opportunities and challenges is crucial. This book is an essential and thought-provoking read for researchers, teacher educators, and school teachers and leaders who wish to embrace AI to prepare K-12 students for their future education and the workforce.