CAN AI BE USED AS A WAY OF THINKING TO FOSTER STUDENTS' CREATIVITY? AN EMPIRICAL STUDY BASED ON CHINA
DS 136: Proceedings of the Asia Design and Innovation Conference (ADIC) 2024
Year: 2024
Editor: Yong Se Kim; Yutaka Nomaguchi; Chun-Hsien Chen; Xiangyang Xin; Linna Hu; Meng Wang
Author: Rong, Junwei; Terzidis, Kostas
Series: Other endorsed
Institution: Tongji University
Page(s): 028-037
Abstract
In the context of quickly evolving Artificial Intelligence (AI), researchers who work in education are looking for methods to lead young people to create the future. However, there is not enough research on AI curricula and frameworks for K12 students, and there has been little research on Artificial Intelligence education and programs in Asia in particular. AI, as an extension and alternative to human intelligence, may be a new way to help youth explore the creative thinking. An experiment was implemented in a public secondary school of mainland China, where 42 secondary school students (average age 15) participated in the program. Qualitative and quantitative analysis methods were used. The study results showed that (1) students need to train in AI thinking to augment their basic AI knowledge and skills; (2) students believe that their creativity, especially its value, diversity, and originality, can be fostered through the design education program; (3) in regard to the student's perceptions of the Kids AID program, 72% of the students liked the teaching methodology and course content, and they believed that the combination of traditional Chinese culture and coding helped them to immerse themselves in learning. This study emphasizes the positive impact of teaching students to think about AI and utilizing design as tool for preparing students for an AI-driven future. The study results will hopefully provide guidance for educational researchers to further teach AI curriculum instruction and cultivate the new generation of creative talents needed in the new era.
Keywords: AI Literacy, Design, Creativity, Design Education, 21st Century Abilities