Chapter 14: Supporting In-Service Teachers in Understanding the Potential of Data and Artificial Intelligence to Influence and Impact Learning

The importance of computer science (CS) in today’s digital world only continues to grow in prominence. In this paper we share our findings regarding the experiences of K–12 teachers in a design-based graduate course aimed at developing an understanding of CS principles via a focus on the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and data in educational contexts. In the course, teachers survey a range of AI tools and application programming interface (API) accessible datasets and apply this understanding to the design of a webbased application for use in their classroom. Our findings suggest that the constructionist, open-ended nature of the course and the use of a culminating student-selected design project served as an engaging framing device and a gateway toward developing understanding and interest in programming and other CS principles. Even for participants with little to no CS background, the process of exploring AI tools and data sets and designing a web application for use in their content area raised their level of interaction with programming and increased awareness about the presence and potential for AI in their classroom. A description of the course, more detailed unpacking of the findings, and an outlining of the implications will be the focus of the chapter.