Primary students’ readiness for learning of artificial intelligence: A case study in Beijing

Abstract

Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) has aroused attention among educators to consider including it in K-12 teaching. Several curricula have been developed, and some schools have begun testing the curriculum. Within such a context, it is important to study and investigate students’ readiness to learn AI. This study includes students’ motivation to learn AI, perceived relevance of AI, anxiety about current or future development of AI to predict students’ AI readiness. A questionnaire-based survey composed of these factors was designed. A sample of 107 primary students from Beijing, China was used to provide initial evidence about the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. The findings support that the questionnaire has adequate construct validity and acceptable reliability. In addition, the findings indicate that students have intrinsic motivation and career motivation. They also perceive the relevance of AI and regard themselves are ready for an AI-empowered future.