A Quasi-Experimental Study of the Introduction of Machine Learning Concepts to a High School Age Audience as Part of a Mentored Scientific Research Program

Katherine S. Moore, Safinah Ali, Irene Lee, Mark Weckel, Preeti Gupta, Gabrielle Rabinowitz, Rachel Chaffee

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

As Machine Learning (ML), a branch of Artificial Intelligence (AI), proliferates across society, youth need to learn basic fundamentals of this new technology. Furthermore, the field of AI reflects the persistent lack of diversity seen in broader STEM fields, which may impact historically underrepresented groups pursuing these fields. In response, we created an ML-embedded, out-of-school-time program for high school age students focused on scientific inquiry, constructed through a justice-lens. This paper reports findings from a repeated measures study of 35 youth (82% from underrepresented groups in STEM) introduced to ML concepts through a 4-week Institute followed by an academic-year-long research internship with a mentor-scientist. Student learning outcomes were measured using a new ML concept inventory. Findings suggest ML knowledge increased after the Institute and persisted 9 months afterwards for those participating in mentored research.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationISLS Annual Meeting 2024
Subtitle of host publicationLearning as a Cornerstone of Healing, Resilience, and Community - 18th International Conference of the Learning Sciences, ICLS 2024 - Proceedings
EditorsRobb Lindgren, Tutaleni Asino, Eleni A. Kyza, Chee-Kit Looi, D. Teo Keifert, Enrique Suarez
PublisherInternational Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS)
Pages2321-2322
Number of pages2
ISBN (Electronic)9798990698000
StatePublished - 2024
Event18th International Conference of the Learning Sciences, ICLS 2024 - Buffalo, United States
Duration: Jun 10 2024Jun 14 2024

Publication series

NameComputer-Supported Collaborative Learning Conference, CSCL
ISSN (Print)1573-4552

Conference

Conference18th International Conference of the Learning Sciences, ICLS 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBuffalo
Period6/10/246/14/24

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Education

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