Guidelines for facilitating the learning of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by School Students of Grades 7-12

"<< Background >>The Facilitate-AI project responded to the urgent need for educational systems across Europe to adapt their educational systems, as outlined in key strategic documents and reports, such as the White Paper on AI of the European Community and the report of the CULT committee before the European Parliament. Given that AI is a key priority for the European Commission and with an estimated 58 million new jobs in the AI field by 2022, it is evident that AI literacy is essential for future career opportunities. The project identified two main directions in the application of AI in school education:1. Formal study of basic algorithms of classical and ""modern"" AI, either as a standalone discipline or integrated within other subjects.2. Introducing students of different educational levels to the applications and capabilities of AI.Facilitate-AI addressed the above needs and provided an opportunity to contribute to building the necessary competence among school students to support the growth of AI in a responsible and informed manner. Recognizing that children today grow up in the age of AI and interact with smart technologies embedded with it, it is essential to ensure they understand and engage with AI from an early age.<< Objectives >>The FACILITATE-AI project aimed to achieve the following key objectives:1. Supporting school teachers (facilitators of learning) in developing an inquiry-based and evidence-based understanding of AI, algorithmic creative thinking and their integration into students' learning process to promote creative problem-solving, adaptability to change and progressive design through a STEAME interdisciplinary approach.2. Equipping teachers with the skills to effectively facilitate AI learning for students, including understanding AI applications, strengths, and weaknesses in alignment with Digital Competence Framework 2.0 and Digital Education Framework.3. Contributing to enhancing digital skills and competences necessary for digital transformation by promoting basic understanding of data-intensive technologies like AI from an early age.4. Supporting teachers and students in developing problem-solving skills, computational thinking and design thinking using AI tools and methods, preparing them to navigate and utilize AI effectively in problem-solving contexts.The project targeted teachers in grades 7-12, including initial and in-service teachers and teacher trainers, addressing the lack of training in digital tools and AI.<< Implementation >>The following activities were implemented: A1. Project ManagementA2: Quality Assurance and project EvaluationA3: Dissemination of project resultsR1. AI teaching Guide for teachers facilitating the learning of students in grades 7-12R1-A1: Pedagogical and Learning Framework for Teacher facilitators (PLF)R1-A2: National Reports with related practicesR1-A3: AI Dynamic Curriculum Design and FormatR1-A4: Learning and Creativity Plans for the use by facilitators of learningR2. Training Course for teacher Facilitators of learning in AI-STEAME+ educationR2-A1: PLF Competences for teacher facilitators transformed into ModulesR2-A2: Additional Modules focusing on the facilitation of the learning of AI by school studentsR2-A3: A Training Programme (3 days) with 3 modules per dayR3. Dynamic Online Learning Platform with OER on AI in interdisciplinary STEAME+ school subjects with a set of Blueprint RecommendationsR3-A1: Design the Learning Environment with existing tools like Moodle to set up a Platform accessible to teachers and students3 Transnational Project Meetings took place: TPM1: 1st Physical Meeting in CyprusTPM2: 2nd Physical Meeting in BulgariaTPM3: 3rd Physical Meeting in RomaniaIn addition, several online bilateral or project short meetings took place.6 Multiplier events took place:E1: Multiplier Event – CyprusE2: Multiplier Event – BulgariaE3: Multiplier Event – PortugalE4: Multiplier Event – RomaniaE5: Multiplier Event – ItalyE6: Multiplier Event – GreeceTwo training activities were organized:C1 Training Activity in BulgariaC2 Training Activity in GreeceAll evidence and details are available on the project website: www.facilitate-ai.eu More supporting documents are available in the project reporting Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1knlkU7q9BNbhCdWOQFcI6pbLYv_GmExv << Results >>Concrete Outputs in the form of publications:1. Result 1: AI Teaching Guide for teachers facilitating the learning of students in grades 7-122. Result 2: Training Course for Facilitators of learning in AI-STEAME education3. Result 3: Dynamic Online Learning Environment with OER on AI in interdisciplinary STEAME school subjects with a set of Blueprint Policy RecommendationsAll the outputs are published in the front page of www.facilitate-ai.eu Also available in the project Final Report GD: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16kdicO8X0IM9AxKzzuwDzFddL22Bt2ID In addition to the main outputs the following activity results were produced:4. Two webinars in electronic form including learning plans, material and video- Two Training Courses made into webinars open at the project websitei) TRAINING ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) CONTENT FOR ADAPTING TO SCHOOL CURRICULAhttps://facilitate-ai.eu/training-course/ ii) TRAINING COURSE FOR FACILITATORS OF LEARNING IN AI-STEAME EDUCATIONhttps://facilitate-ai.eu/facilitate-ai-c2-training-course/ 5. The Dynamic Online Learning Environment with OER https://facilitate-ai-portal.eu/ 6. The Facilitate-AI Pitch Video, available in the front page of www.facilitate-ai.eu"