RUDN Journal of Informatization in Education (Dec 2021)
Formation of content modules for teaching artificial intelligence in the basic school
Abstract
Problem and goal. The problem of insufficient substantive provision of training of primary school students in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) is considered. The goal is to identify and describe the basic didactic elements within the content modules, as well as to identify the intrasubject and intersubject connections that are realized in the course of teaching the elements of AI in the main school. Methodology. A set of methods was used: analysis of international experience (USA, China, England, Germany, Israel, Russia); analysis of documents defining requirements for the implementation of basic educational programs; analysis of textbooks; research of ready-made software solutions applicable in the process of teaching the basics of AI to primary school students; reflection of the content of the knowledge gained. Results. The study made it possible to identify learning opportunities in the field of AI for students starting from grade 5, regardless of the availability of teaching hours allocated for compulsory informatics education, due to the variability of general education. An analysis of informatics textbooks for basic school showed that teaching the basics of AI should be implemented taking into account intrasubject connections with informatics. This approach will make it possible to carry out a supporting, expanding or propaedeutic function of teaching AI elements in relation to the main course of informatics. In the process of forming meaningful modules for teaching the elements of AI to primary school students, starting from grade 5, didactic elements were identified, the development of which must be organized taking into account interdisciplinary connections with general education disciplines. The content of educational material in the field of AI should be mastered through the most expedient types of activity in the context of the system-activity approach, which will allow to form personally significant knowledge and skills of students, to develop their creative abilities. Conclusion. The results of the study made it possible to substantiate the expediency of teaching the elements of AI to primary school students, starting from grade 5. Various options for including in the basic school curriculum issues related to the basics of AI, taking into account the existing experience of teaching schoolchildren in the field of informatics, were identified.
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