WebTalk: Data Literacy and AI in Primary Education
Description
Growing up in the era of data and AI: Children in primary school now will have a fundamentally different relationship with technology than any generation before them. They will grow up with AI and data becoming increasingly prevalent – influencing their education, daily lives and future workplaces. However, until now there are few examples of educational activities focusing on AI and data literacy for the primary level and teachers are not equipped to thoroughly explain key concepts of AI and data. In this talk, experts will therefore explore what age-appropriate curricula and learning activities can look like. What does it take to make new generations fit for the digital world?
This question will be discussed in a panel with experts. We are looking forward to welcoming the following panelists:
- Pat Yongpradit, Chief Academic Officer for Code.org, and leader of TeachAI,
- Ute Schmid, professor of Cognitive Systems at the University of Bamberg, contributor at the KI Campus and chair of the task force 'AI in Education' of the GI,
- Georgi Dimitrov, responsible for the Digital Education unit in the European Commission, Directorate General for Education and Culture,
- Valentina Dagienė, professor of Informatics at Vilnius University and leader of the team primary education in the TrainDL project.
Join the discussion! Register now for ‘Data Literacy and AI in Primary Education’ on October 17, 2023, at 17:00 CEST:
Note: The entire event will be recorded and published on the YouTube channel of the German Informatics Society!
Speakers

Pat Yongpradit
Pat Yongpradit is the Chief Academic Officer for Code.org, a non-profit dedicated to promoting computer science education, and leader of TeachAI, an initiative to guide leaders in transforming education in an age of AI. As an international thought leader in computer science education, Pat has influenced each stage of the education system, from policy to practice, in the legislature, and in the classroom. During his career as a computer science teacher, he inspired students to create games and apps for social causes and broadened participation among underrepresented groups. He led the development of the K-12 Computer Science Framework, featured in the book, “American Teacher: Heroes in the Classroom,” recognized as a Microsoft Worldwide Innovative Educator, and certified in biology, physics, math, health, and technology education. Although Pat currently spends more time focused on computer science from a global perspective, he still finds ways to sneak into the classroom.

Ute Schmid
Ute Schmid is a professor of Cognitive Systems at University of Bamberg. Since more than 15 years she is offering workshops for children as well as teacher training to give hands-on experience in computer science in general as well as in artificial intelligence. Ute Schmid has provided a course on Data Literacy for Primary Schools for the KI Campus and is chair of the task force 'AI in Education' of the GI (a joint working group of the sections AI and Computer Science and Education). A main concern of Ute Schmid is to empower girls to develop their interest and talent in the field of computer science.

Georgi Dimitrov
Georgi Dimitrov is responsible for the Digital Education unit in the European Commission, Directorate General for Education and Culture. He joined the European Commission in 2008 and was first involved in various roles in setting up the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). He then helped to develop and launch HEInnovate, an initiative by the European Commission and the OECD aimed at supporting universities to become more entrepreneurial. He led the development of the first Digital Education Action Plan adopted in January 2018 and also of the new Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027 that was adopted in September 2020. Before joining the Commission, Georgi worked for a leading multinational telecommunication company and in a software start-up in Germany. Georgi studied at the University of Bonn (M.A.), the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (PhD) and the Open University UK (MBA in Technology Management).

Valentina Dagienė
Prof. Dr. Valentina Dagienė is a Principal Researcher and Professor at the Vilnius University in Lithuania and Head of the Department of Education Systems Group. Her research interests are Computer Science Education Research, Algorithmic Thinking, Computational Thinking, Technology Enhanced Learning, STEM education, Olympiads in informatics, contests, and gamification. In the TrainDL project she is leader of the work package dedicated to developing and testing learning activities for primary education.
