Exploring Neural Pathways in Language-Based AI
Importance
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming numerous industries and catalyzing scientific discoveries and engineering innovations. To prepare to enter an AI-ready workforce, young people must be introduced to core AI concepts and practices early to develop fundamental understandings and productive attitudes. Neural networks, a key approach in AI development, have been introduced to secondary students using various approaches. However, no existing work has addressed the interpretability of neural networks and human-machine collaboration in the development process.
This exploratory project is developing and testing a digital learning tool for secondary students to learn how to interpret neural networks and collaborate with the algorithm to improve AI systems. The tool allows students to interact with complex concepts visually and dynamically. It also leverages students’ knowledge and intuition of natural languages by contextualizing neural networks in natural language processing systems.
The project team includes learning experience designers and technology developers from the Concord Consortium, computer scientists from Carnegie Mellon University, educational researchers from North Carolina State University, curriculum specialists and teacher educators from Mississippi State University Center for Cyber Education, and usability and feasibility evaluators from WestEd.
Research
This project will investigate the design of learning tools and learning experiences for middle school students to engage with neural pathways and human-machine collaboration in AI development. Using design-based research and participatory design methods, the project will address the following research questions:
- What are the characteristics of learning tools that can support middle school students in developing an understanding of neural pathways in language-based AI?
- What are the characteristics of learning tools that can support middle school students in developing competencies in human-machine collaboration in AI development?
