A Quick Guide to Incorporating AI into iBlocks
Welcome to the digital world! As technology continues to advance, Artificial intelligence (AI) has infused itself into nearly every aspect of our lives. As such, it is important for students and educators to understand how and why AI is used. In order to prepare learners with future-ready skills, we first need to learn how to responsibly integrate AI into real-world, inquiry-based learning opportunities and solutions. iBlocks are Teq’s premier project-based learning experiences. Here’s a quick guide to incorporating AI into iBlocks
What are iBlocks? How do I Integrate AI into iBlocks?
iBlocks are scalable, repeatable, and customizable solutions. Each iBlock provides an effective way to practice using AI responsibly. iBlocks use high-quality instructional materials and technologies that leverage AI capabilities and provide accessible STEM tools. Students can also use AI to explore how real-world systems function.
Whether you’ve been using iBlocks for a while or are just getting started, here is a quick guide to incorporating AI into iBlocks. Read more to refresh your teacher resources and provide personalized student learning.
1. Start with the fundamentals
Students should know and understand the basics of AI. Explore our Edu Resources to learn more and access our content on AI. Additionally, each iBlock purchase also includes access to our “AI Literacy Instructional Guide.”
2. Ask questions
When integrating AI into iBlocks, it’s important to ask questions. Questions such as, “Has AI been used to create real-world solutions that can be incorporated into iBlocks final capstone project?,””How could AI be used to support students in accomplishing/ reaching their desired outcomes?,” and “What technologies do you already have that integrate AI capabilities?” can be useful to understanding how to bring AI into iBlocks.
For instance, in the Tiny Houses iBlock, students explore energy consumption and engineer a tiny house model. Tiny houses can be simple, but they can also incorporate advanced technologies and transform into a SMART home. For instance, security systems can use cameras and sensors powered by AI. AI can recognize faces and, therefore, alert owners of strangers within the home. Further, AI can be used within lighting systems, thermostats, virtual assistants, and even for monitoring food inventory.
3. Map it out
Determine when and where students can explore AI functionalities in greater depth. Ideally, students should have time during the Research and Planning phase in an iBlock to explore AI fundamentals. Don’t forget to consider how AI might play a role in students’ projects. Students can implement these ideas as they design, construct, and modify their projects during the Testing and Learning phase. Alternatively, if you want students to start their design without AI, you can wait to incorporate AI technologies into iBlocks projects as an extension.
EdTech Capabilities
Teq’s top-notch educational technology products perfectly align with iBlocks. You can easily use products such as Maker and Coder or UGOT by UBTECH Education to integrate AI into iBlocks. If your classroom is equipped with these robots, then you already have the tools to get started!
Maker and Coder
Maker and Coder kits have a variety of tools to take students’ projects to the next level. The AIoT Kit features an AI camera, environmental sensors, and even Servo Motors. This enables the capturing and processing of images, remote communication, and location tracking. Having connectivity with the Internet of Things (IoT) also provides students with the ability to explore smart/AI-driven automation and gain advanced coding skills.
Additional sensors can be used for: temperature, humidity, light, color, soil moisture, weight, air quality, motion detection, and heart rate. With Maker and Coder, the possibilities for hands-on learning are endless!
Incorporate AI into iBlocks with UGOT by UBTECH Education
UBTECH Education’s uKits provide a flexible AI module system that involves defining AI, interacting with and building with data, and language and vision. uKits have an AI-integrated Main Control Box (MCB) that gives students the opportunity to explore features such as natural language processing (NLP) and automatic speech recognition.
They also have a Foundations Curriculum that introduces real-world AI examples in an “unplugged” setting. The UGOT AI City Guardian Kit and AI Space Exploration Kit contain buildable robots that have advanced AI recognition features. Both kits include built-in algorithms to recognize gestures, postures, faces, text, objects, and more! Check out UBTECH Education and our blog on Pioneering AI in the Classroom with UBTECH Education.
KIBO by KinderLab Robotics
Even our youngest learners can be exposed to learning the basics of AI! The KIBO robot lets kids’ imaginations soar and introduces coding and AI concepts into early education without using screens. KIBO incorporates AI into iBlocks by using a variety of sensors, advanced AI recognition, and more. Therefore, if you are using KIBO with one of our K-2 iBlocks, be sure to download their free 5-lesson curriculum: Thinking with KIBO: Introducing Artificial Intelligence Early Grades. This guide easily pairs with project-based learning and enriches student outcomes. Topics include automation, sensing, reasoning, machine learning, natural interactions, and more!
Pave the way for AI!
These edtech connections pave the way for career pathway exploration as students experience practical applications and ways AI can shape the world around us.
Further, in order to provide users with the best practices for incorporating AI into iBlock projects, educators can access Teq’s AI Literacy Instructional Guide and Teacher Tips. Teacher Tips are found in relevant iBlocks and are used to provide information or methodology pointers. These techniques are useful for educators during a specific portion of an iBlock, which includes tips for AI integration.
Your project-based learning journey starts now!
Remember, Teq is here every step of the way to ensure a smooth implementation, even before purchase. If applicable, we will help with curriculum mapping, standards alignment, and differentiation and scaffolding needs.
Now, just imagine the possibilities for building an AI system that can monitor your hydroponic garden or develop wearable technologies. With iBlocks, the possibilities are endless. We can’t wait to help you get started!
Learn more about iBlocks and discover our complete iBlocks Library, Sequences, and CTE programs at iblocks.com!Â
For more tips, tricks, and tools for teaching in and out of the classroom, check out more content on the Teq Talk blog or our YouTube channels OTIS for educators and Tequipment.
We also offer virtual professional development, training, and support with OTIS for educators. Explore the technology and strategies that spark student success — no matter where teaching or learning are happening!
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