Tools and construction for critical reflection

This lecture will describe a national research agenda into how students and teachers can have hands-on experiences with the technical concepts and practices behind emerging digital technologies. Through this agenda, the Center for Computational Thinking & Design has explored what students should learn about AI, augmented reality, and cryptography – and how students can have concrete experiences with the possibilities and limitations of these technologies. Karl-Emil will describe how researchers have collaborated with teachers and schools to develop educational tools and activities that enable students to engage with the data science practices behind AI, the computer vision techniques behind augmented reality, and the encryption protocols behind cryptography. Based on this work, he will discuss how hands-on activities with the concepts and practices behind digital technologies are crucial for students’ ability to reflect on their implications and imagine alternative uses.