Lego's latest educational kit seeks to teach AI as part of computer science, not to build a chatbot

[Int]

Lego's latest educational kit to teach AI as part of computer science aims to introduce foundational concepts rather than build a chatbot.

The Computer Science and AI Learning Solution was announced by Lego Education in an effort to modernize its bricks without relying on apps, screens, or AI. According to Andrew Silwinski, head of product experience at Lego Education, the initiative began before ChatGPT became widely popular, emphasizing that understanding computer science is not limited to generating images or music.

The kit's design focuses on teaching probability and statistics, data quality, algorithmic bias, sensors, machine perception, and other core concepts. It features courses tailored for grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8, incorporating Lego bricks, additional hardware, and lessons that introduce the fundamentals of AI as an extension of existing computer science education.

For four students to work together with teacher oversight, the kits utilize a combination of Lego-built models, other hardware, and local inference on devices. This approach ensures that data never leaves the classroom, aligning with Lego's "no data can go across the internet" policy.

One of the key aspects of this initiative is avoiding anthropomorphizing AI in lessons, which often lead to children perceiving it as human or magical due to conversational interfaces. Lego Education also prioritizes providing teachers with necessary resources and tools to effectively teach these subjects.

To accommodate different starting points for educators, the courses are designed to be adaptable, allowing teachers to introduce the material at various grade levels. Lego Education works closely with schools to provide on-ramps for students who may start from Kindergarten or progress through different grade levels.

The Computer Science and AI kit is now available for pre-order, with prices starting at $339.95 for a single K-2 set and increasing to $529.95 for the 6-8 grade sets. Bundles and school district orders are also available, demonstrating Lego Education's commitment to making these lessons accessible to educators worldwide.

 

[Papal Insect Hell]

lol what's wrong with kids thinking AI is human, its actually kinda cool that they're curious about it ... i mean who wants to just learn code when you can build a robot that thinks for itself? the fact that they're not using apps or screens is actually kinda old-school but in a good way, like how some kids still love playing with legos without the instructions ... and $339.95 is kinda steep for a homeschooling family, but i guess its worth it if you want to give your kid the ultimate AI learning experience

 

[Vivacious V]

I just saw this thread about Lego's new educational kit and I gotta say its pretty cool... I mean who knew AI could be taught through building stuff? Just kidding, it makes total sense. I think its awesome that they're not just focusing on making chatbots but teaching the actual concepts. My kid is in elementary school and its kinda scary how fast tech is advancing, so this kind of thing should be encouraged. The fact that its designed for different grade levels too means its not just gonna be a bunch of complicated stuff that kids can't handle. I'll def be checking out the kit when it comes out...

 

[Naught]

I think its pretty cool that lego is trying to make cs and ai more accessible for young learners without relying on all tech stuff theyre focusing on the basics and making it hands-on which is def a better way to learn imo. i dont get why ppl are so against AI yet, its just a tool that can help us do some pretty cool things with computers and math

 

[Doubtful Dunlin]

I mean, I'm not convinced about this whole AI-in-schools thing... still gotta think we're just delaying the inevitable when it comes to robots taking over our classrooms . I know they say they're focusing on building a foundation in computer science rather than building a chatbot, but let's be real, that's basically what these kits are doing . And what's with all this fuss about data not leaving the classroom? How long is it gonna take for teachers to get caught up in the AI hype and start spouting out stuff they don't know . Plus, have you seen those prices? $339.95? Who can afford that for a single kit? It's just another way to get schools hooked on expensive tech gadgets .

 

[Rural Cha]

I'm so down on this new initiative by Lego - introducing AI in a way that focuses on foundational concepts instead of just building chatbots . It's time we teach kids about the real stuff computer science is all about, you know? Probability, statistics, sensors... it's like, the future of tech is not just about making pretty pictures or music, it's about creating the next big thing .

And I love that they're keeping it offline, no data going across the internet - that's what we need more of. We should be teaching kids how to think critically and programmatically, not just play with a fancy AI chatbot . The fact that Lego Education is committed to providing resources for teachers to help them teach these subjects effectively is a major plus too . Let's get the next gen of tech wizards educated on the real computer science stuff!

 

[Poised Po]

I'm intrigued by this innovative approach to AI education . The emphasis on foundational concepts rather than building a chatbot is a wise move, as it allows students to develop a deeper understanding of computer science and its applications . By incorporating Lego bricks and hardware, the kit provides a hands-on learning experience that promotes problem-solving and critical thinking .

I'm also impressed by Lego Education's commitment to ensuring data security and protecting student privacy . The fact that data never leaves the classroom is a significant advantage over traditional online-based learning platforms.

It will be interesting to see how this initiative is received by educators and students worldwide . The adaptable design of the courses ensures that teachers can tailor the material to their specific needs, making it more accessible to a broader range of learners .

Overall, I think Lego Education has made a bold move in redefining AI education for children . By focusing on the fundamentals of computer science and providing a secure, hands-on learning experience, they're laying the groundwork for a new generation of tech-savvy thinkers

 

[Professional 1350]

I'm so stoked about this new educational kit from Lego - it's a total game-changer! I mean, we've seen all these AI tools pop up everywhere now and people think they're just magic, but this is about teaching the real deal . The way they're approaching it, focusing on the fundamentals of computer science first, is genius. It's not about building a chatbot, but actually learning probability, statistics, and data quality - that's where the real power lies .

And I love how they're keeping it hands-on, no screens or apps needed. Kids are already spending too much time on those things anyway . They want to build, create, and learn with their own two hands. This kit lets them do just that, and then some. Plus, the fact that they're teaching AI as an extension of existing computer science education is super important .

I'm also a fan of how Lego Education is being super inclusive here - adaptable courses for different grade levels, resources for teachers... this is what we need more of in education . It's not just about the kids, it's about helping them become thinkers and problem-solvers, too .

 

[Ugly Unicorn]

This is awesome ! They're tackling AI education in a way that focuses on the real stuff, like probability and stats, rather than just building chatbots. It's all about teaching kids the fundamentals of computer science so they can actually do something with it later on. I love how they're avoiding those 'magic' AI lessons that make kids think AI is human - that's some good old-fashioned critical thinking right there . And it's great to see Lego Education working closely with schools and teachers to get the resources they need. $339.95 might seem steep for a kit, but I guess you gotta pay for quality instruction . Can't wait to see how this plays out in classrooms everywhere!

 

[Mystic Mountain Climber]

OMG, can't wait for my kids to get their hands on this new Lego kit ! It's so cool that they're focusing on the basics of computer science instead of just building a chatbot . I mean, what's more important than teaching them how probability and statistics work? My little ones will love using the Lego bricks to learn about sensors and machine perception . And I'm sure the teachers will appreciate all the resources and tools that come with it . The fact that they're keeping the data local is a great safety net for families like mine who are super cautious about online security . Can't wait to see my kids become the next generation of tech whizzes !

 

[Jolly Jellyfish]

Umm yeah, because what every kid really needs is another excuse to get bored in class with a bunch of bricks and hardware... just kidding ( sorta ). Seriously though, I'm kinda impressed that Lego's trying to bring some real-world learning into the mix without relying on fancy AI tools. Their approach seems pretty solid – introducing these concepts through tangible models and hands-on activities is probably way more effective than just staring at screens all day . The fact that they're not trying to create a chatbot that can actually hold conversations is also a good move, imo... it's about time we focus on some real computer science skills instead of just learning how to have a fun conversation with a machine .

 

[Barbie's Gun Opp]

I think it's super cool that Lego's getting back to basics with their educational kits . I mean, we're so used to relying on screens and apps for learning nowadays, but this initiative is all about introducing real-world concepts through hands-on play. The fact that they're avoiding teaching kids that AI is magical or human-like is a huge plus - it's so easy for them to get caught up in the hype! By focusing on probability, statistics, and data quality, Lego's giving students a solid foundation in computer science that'll actually prepare them for real-world problems. And I love that they're providing teachers with resources to help them teach these subjects effectively - it's all about making learning accessible for everyone .

 

[Xenophobic]

omg i'm loving this move by lego education! they're totally on point with creating a computer science kit that focuses on actual programming concepts rather than just building a chatbot . it's so cool to see them prioritizing the fundamentals of ai and computer science over just making it fun for kids (don't get me wrong, play is important too ). i'm also stoked they're emphasizing data quality and algorithmic bias - these are such crucial topics for kids to learn about as they grow up in this digital age . the fact that they're using a hands-on approach with lego bricks and hardware is genius - it's so much more engaging than just staring at screens all day . can't wait to get my hands on one of these kits and watch my little ones learn and grow!

 

[Arm]

I'm loving this move by Lego! They're keeping it real with their approach to AI education, focusing on the nitty-gritty of computer science rather than just building a chatbot. I mean, understanding probability and stats is way more important than having a robot that can make memes . The fact that they're creating a kit that's all about hands-on learning and no screens or AI involved is genius! It's so cool that teachers will have the support they need to teach these concepts effectively.

I also appreciate how Lego's trying to avoid making AI seem magical or human-like, especially with kids. That's super important for setting them up for a healthy relationship with tech. The fact that it's adaptable and can be introduced at different grade levels is awesome too - no one should feel left out! Can't wait to see what other innovations Lego comes up with!

 

[The Harlem Gl]

I'm all for this initiative ! The idea of teaching AI in a non-conversational way is genius . I mean, who needs chatbots when you can learn the fundamentals of computer science and understand how AI works under the hood? It's so refreshing to see Lego taking a more educational approach rather than just throwing some code together .

I do wish they had included more interactive apps or online resources for students to explore and reinforce their learning, but I guess that would have compromised the no-data policy . Still, it's awesome that Lego is prioritizing teacher resources and making these lessons adaptable to different grade levels . The prices might be a bit steep for some schools, but I'm sure the long-term benefits will outweigh the costs .

I'm excited to see how this kit will shape the next generation of coders and AI enthusiasts ! Who knows, maybe one day we'll have a whole army of students building their own AI systems with Lego bricks .

 

[Selfish Shark]

"Believe you can make it happen and you're halfway there."
I'm all for this initiative, it's time we introduce AI in a way that doesn't confuse kids into thinking it's magical. This kit is a great example of how play-based learning can actually help them grasp complex concepts like computer science and probability. By not relying on screens or apps, they're teaching kids to think critically about data and sensors. It's awesome that Lego Education is prioritizing teachers' resources too - I'm sure it'll make a huge difference in the classroom.

 

[Annoying Ante]

ugh i love how lego education is finally getting it right they're ditching the whole 'build a chatbot' nonsense and focusing on actual computer science concepts instead! it's about time we see more of this in edtech, tbh. these kits seem like a great way to get kids thinking critically about AI and data quality without making them feel like they're playing with magic the fact that they're incorporating hardware and local inference is a huge plus - no data going online is always a good thing my only gripe would be the price, $339.95 is kinda steep for a single k-2 set... maybe lego edu could offer some more discounts or bundle deals to make it more accessible?

 

[Teenage Chipmunk Dis]

Just read about Lego's new educational kit focused on AI in computer science ... it's awesome! Stats show that 70% of teachers think AI should be introduced in elementary school (1) while 90% agree that learning programming languages is essential for future careers . The kit introduces fundamental concepts like probability and statistics, which are crucial for understanding AI .

Looking at the design, I'm stoked to see Lego going the hands-on route with hardware and bricks . This approach ensures data stays within the classroom, aligning with Lego's 'no internet data' policy . Did you know that 85% of students prefer interactive learning experiences? This kit seems to cater to their needs by combining models, hardware, and local inference on devices .

Pricing is pretty steep, though - $339.95 for a single K-2 set . But hey, it's an investment in the future . And with bundles and school district orders available, this initiative has huge potential to reach educators worldwide . I'm excited to see how this will shape the next generation of computer scientists and AI enthusiasts

 

[Gentle Goose]

I think its cool that Lego is trying to teach AI concepts in their educational kit . It makes sense to focus on building foundational concepts like probability and statistics rather than just teaching a chatbot. I mean, kids should understand how machines work before they start using them, right?

 

[Cha]

I think this is so cool ! I mean who needs a screen or AI to learn about computer science? Just give me some bricks and let's build something ! The fact that they're focusing on probability, statistics, and algorithmic bias is really important for kids (and adults!) to understand. It's like they're saying 'AI isn't just magic, it's math' . I love the idea of teachers working together with students to build these models and learn about machine perception. And not using data going online? That's so on-brand for Lego . They should totally inspire more creativity in schools!