The FAIaS initiative fosters the knowledge and skills around Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at European schools. It has been an Erasmus+ KA201 innovation in schools project (2020-1-ES01-KA201-083047) from 2020 to 2023. More information and its outcomes can be obtained in http://fosteringai.github.io. Goals of the Project 1. To foster the knowledge and skills around Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in European schools. 2. To achieve goal #1 in a way that is as inclusive as possible, with special attention to gender, economically and socially disadvantaged students, among others. 3. To raise awareness of the technical, social and ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Project Outcomes 1. High-quality, open learning materials and experiences for educators and learners on AI and ML (both for formal and non-formal environments). 2. Promote an easy-to-use web-based (open source) software tool to support learning of AI and ML, LearningML (see https://web.learningml.org). 3. Organization of activities for educators and learners on AI and ML (and make our and other's learning materials, experiences and tools known). Project Vision * Learner-centric - The main goal is that learners acquire important 21st century skills. * Teacher-oriented - Learners will acquire skills and knowledge through their school teachers and educators. * Holistic - Raise awareness that AI is everywhere, understand how it works, and what (technical, social and ethical) implications it has. * Interdisciplinary - All subjects will be addressed, not only STEM - other areas of knowledge, from language to history, are targeted as well. * Constructivist - Help learners to construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world, through experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences. Partner Organizations * Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Spain (co-ordinator, experts in CT and authors of the Dr. Scratch tool) * Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium (experts in Artificial Intelligence research, education and lifelong learning) * Collective Up, Belgium (experts in non-formal learning environments, esp. minorities and girls) * Theatro Circo de Braga, Portugal (offers network of schools and teachers and cultural stakeholders)
To promote critical thinking among young students, we brought AI to schools and informal environments. We aimed to enhance students' ability to detect biases in AI and to be aware that technology is not perfect. We achieved this goal by: i) providing teachers across subjects with online and offline tools and guidelines that can be easily integrated into their courses; ii) further developing and promoting an online, interactive tool that allows students and teachers to experiment with AI; iii) improving the knowledge of minorities and underprivileged groups in society specifically through non-formal education; and iv) building an actionable repository of AI-related educational resources for teachers, policymakers, developers, and researchers.
This project was born from a desire to demystify artificial intelligence (AI) and bring it into the classroom, both in formal and informal settings. Our ultimate goal was to help learners develop critical thinking skills towards AI and to be aware of its potential biases. We chose to reach young students through their educators, both formal and non-formal. Our aim was to create a community of educators and provide them with the tools and methods (including materials and activities) they need to achieve our goals.