What works best in early childhood—hands-on experience with physical manipulatives and playful opportunities for self-directed knowledge construction—also works best for teaching AI. KIBO provides a research-proven method to explore computer science, engineering, and now AI concepts in early childhood STEM education. With KIBO, advanced and abstract concept like AI become accessible to young kids.

This new (and free!) AI curriculum, Thinking with KIBO: Introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Early Grades, is designed to help students in grades 1–3 understand how artificial intelligence works, what its limitations are and how to think critically about how these tools can improve lives in their communities.

Featuring five lessons, students explore fundamental ideas about AI through activities with the hands-on and screen-free KIBO robot. Thinking with KIBO engages with computer science concepts in K–5, alongside evolving content standards in artificial intelligence. The curriculum is ideal for a 5–6 week unit in computer science or technology/media classes, as well as afterschool programs, enrichment centers, libraries, makerspaces, and more.

The curriculum’s core learning objectives include:

• AI is a tool made by people.
• AI systems (and robots!) make decisions based on input and rules.
• AI doesn’t think like people do, and it’s not alive.
• AI can help people solve difficult problems.

Based on 20+ years of early child development research by co-founder, Dr. Marina Bers, KIBO engages young students to learn STEAM concepts through play and creative self-expression. KIBO provides developmentally appropriate robotics and coding to young learners: teaching computer science, engineering, and computational thinking.

For these reasons and more, KIBO Robots is a Cool Tool Award Winner for “Best Robotics (for Learning, Education) Solution” as part of The EdTech Awards 2024 from EdTech Digest. Learn more. 

The post KIBO Robots appeared first on EdTech Digest.

Kokotree, co-founded by Vivek Thakur and Tim Eisenhauer, is an educational learning app for toddlers and preschoolers. Originating from Vivek’s personal quest for structured, safe, and engaging digital content for his child, Kokotree offers a curated library of educational cartoons and videos, audio stories, and our letter tracing games, focusing on foundational topics like reading, writing, counting, and emotions.

Key Features:

• Curriculum-Based Learning: Meticulously crafted content, aligned with Common Core Standards, ensures structured and interactive experiences.
• User-Centric Interface: Intuitive design empowers young learners to navigate and consume content independently.
• Safety and Quality: An ad-free environment, complemented by in-house content production, guarantees safety and quality.
• Monthly Content Updates: Ensuring engagement and reinforcement of concepts.
• Integrated Animation Studio: Unique to Kokotree, it guarantees content quality and safety.

Benefits:

• Kokotree transforms passive screen time into enriching, active learning.
• Engages families, promoting shared educational experiences.
• Bridges on-screen learning with tangible off-screen activities, providing a comprehensive educational journey.

Kokotree’s recognition as a finalist at The EdTech Awards 2023 ”Cool Tools” vouches for its effectiveness. Its commitment to growth is showcased by continuous content updates, user feedback implementation, and its expansion into gaming and storytelling. With an ethos rooted in ensuring a perfect blend of fun, safety, and education, Kokotree stands as a beacon in the early childhood digital learning landscape. For these reasons and more, Kokotree is a Cool Tool Award Winner for “Best Mobile App Solution” as part of The EdTech Awards 2024 from EdTech Digest. Learn more.

The post Kokotree appeared first on EdTech Digest.