Evaluation of Day of AI 2023

AI Literacy Curricula for K-12

Research Questions

  • Who is interested in the Day of AI curricula and why?

  • Who led and participated in the Day of AI activities?

  • What AI-related concepts are teachers and students learning as a result of engaging with the Day of AI curricula?

  • What impact is the Day of AI content having on teacher and student perceptions of AI and their sense of agency in determining its place in their future?

  • How are the Day of AI activities being integrated with existing schedules and activities?

  • How can the Day of AI activities be improved to actively engage more teachers and students?

Data Sources

We gathered data from 7,636 individuals who registered to access the Day of AI curricula, 265 respondents to an online survey, and 17 teachers who taught the Day of AI curricula to their students and agreed to a virtual interview.

Conclusion

The evaluation of the Day of AI initiative provides a promising indication that AI literacy curricula can reach a wide audience and improve knowledge, awareness, and optimism about AI’s role in students’ lives and their ability to influence it. The reach of the Day of AI curricula is remarkable for content that has only been available for 1 to 2 years and that is implemented by educators on a voluntary basis. The reported impact is also impressive given how little time students engage in the curriculum content relative to other topics and subjects they study. Recommendations are provided to further extend reach and impact of the Day of AI initiative globally.

Recommendations

To further increase the reach and impact of the Day of AI initiative, MIT RAISE should:

  1. Increase outreach to education decision-makers who can institutionalize AI literacy instruction

  2. Replicate Day of AI initiatives in multiple locales

  3. Provide a concise overview for instructors on the content, audience, and sequencing for Day of AI curricula

  4. Plan for ongoing curriculum updates, revisions, and adaptations

  5. Increase participation in Day of AI by more closely aligning with schools’ existing priorities