Shaping the Future Through Youth Engagement in Artificial Intelligence
By: Jordan Mroziak
The World Artificial Intelligence Competition for Youth (WAICY) 2023, held at the prestigious King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), marked a significant milestone in the journey towards AI literacy among the youth around the world. This global competition, co-organized by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), KAUST, and ReadyAI saw over 18,000 participants from 39 countries, highlighting the universal appeal and critical importance of AI in contemporary education.
In an age where AI is rapidly reshaping every aspect of life, it’s crucial that young learners are not just passive consumers but active creators and shapers of this technology. WAICY 2023 provided a platform for students to not only understand AI but also to apply it creatively to solve real-world problems. This event emphasized the importance of AI literacy, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a digitally-driven future.
Project-based learning (PBL) stood at the heart of WAICY 2023. PBL encourages active learning, critical thinking, and practical application of knowledge, which are essential for mastering complex subjects like AI. The incredibly diverse range of projects — from AI solutions for grammar education to innovative farming tools — demonstrated the depth and breadth of AI’s potential applications. This hands-on experience in solving real-world challenges fosters a deeper understanding and a more profound appreciation of AI among young learners.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing AI education was evident in the success of WAICY 2023. The nation’s investment in nurturing young talent in AI is a testament to its foresight and dedication to preparing its youth for the challenges and opportunities of the future. The event underscored the country’s role as a burgeoning hub for AI and tech innovation, reinforcing its position on the global stage in terms of technological advancement and educational innovation.
WAICY 2023 showcased a multitude of projects that addressed a wide array of societal, environmental, and technological issues, reflecting the diverse interests and capabilities of its young participants. The event also included insightful lectures and interactive sessions led by experts, which provided both students and educators with valuable insights into the practical applications of AI.
The global nature of WAICY 2023, featuring participants from across the world, highlighted the importance of international collaboration in the field of AI education. This exchange of ideas and cultural perspectives enriches the learning experience and fosters a sense of global citizenship among the participants.
As we look towards the future, WAICY 2023 will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the AI landscape. By fostering a generation fluent in the workings of AI, we are paving the way for more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
WAICY 2023 was not just a competition; it was a celebration of young talent and a collective step towards a future where AI is leveraged for the greater good. The event’s success in Saudi Arabia is a beacon of inspiration, signaling the endless possibilities that await when we invest in the education and empowerment of our youth in the realm of artificial intelligence.
Credits the picture to the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).
To learn more about ReadyAI, visit www.readyai.org or email us at info@readyai.org.
To learn more about WAICY, visit www.waicy.org or email us at info@waicy.org.
Jordan Mroziak is a boundary spanning learning designer, facilitator, and community engagement specialist. Having earned his doctorate in Instructional Technology with an emphasis on creative applications of learning technologies and critical aesthetic pedagogy, his work emphasizes the thoughtful reimagining of learning in order to best build habits around curiosity, empathy, community, equity, and joy.
Most recently, his work for Carnegie Mellon University has deepened his passion for fostering community through relationships oriented towards dreaming a more just and equitable future into existence. Jordan is inspired by scholar-practitioners as divergent as Paulo Freire, Fred Rogers, Maxine Greene, and adrienne maree brown.
In his consulting work, he has provided the successful design and integration of teaching and learning solutions for national and international non-and-for profit sector entities.
Selected projects include designing globally available STEAM maker kits for young children, coaching higher education faculty regarding instructional design/delivery, creating computer science and artificial intelligence lessons for schools in the Middle East, authoring K-12 curricula aligned to state/national standards, evaluating government grants for arts and education programs, and developing multimedia solutions for youth in long-term hospital residency.
