Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, and it's also being applied in education to inspire students' innovative thinking. Located in Shek Kip Mei, St. Francis of Assisi’s Caritas School has integrated AI technology and programming elements into its curriculum, allowing students to engage with innovative technology hands-on. They designed and created smart waste sorting bins for a STEAM smart city project, which they showcased at the Learning & Teaching Expo 2023.
Applying Learning to Daily Life
According to Vice-principal Ms Kwok Suk Ying, the school participated in the Education Bureau's school-based support program last year and collaborated with the University of Hong Kong's Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering to develop two school-based courses, including 'Smart City Engineers' for sixth graders. Through data collection, reading, and interviews, students discovered that solid waste on the streets has increased since the pandemic, prompting them to reflect: Are recycling programs effective? Why
(Vice Principal Ms Kwok Suk Ying (left) shares the design concept of the smart waste sorting bin with three sixth-grade students.)
(The smart waste sorting bin incorporates AI technology and programming elements.)
Students connected micro:bit sensors, the robot:bit (KittenBot) expansion board, HuskyLens AI camera, and servo motors. Using the AI camera, they took pictures of waste and programmed the micro:bit to set motor angles at 0° and 90°. Sixth graders explained the principles behind their project and demonstrated how to operate a smart plastic recycling bin made from repurposed drink cartons.
(Students connecting the AI camera to the micro:bit.)
(Students using the AI camera to photograph waste, then programming with micro:bit and robot:bit to determine recycling outcomes.)
Engaging with Programming through App Inventor
Vice Principal Kwok noted that the school has always promoted STEM education, starting with hands-on block building for younger students to learn programming; third and fourth graders learn Scratch; and fifth and sixth graders explore App Inventor. This step-by-step approach helps students understand programming and develop computational thinking skills. One six grader shared that App Inventor challenges creativity and critical thinking. When his program had errors, his classmates helped him troubleshoot, leading to a successful resolution. Another six-grader preferred App Inventor for its dynamic nature, which made him more interested in programming. He mentioned that STEAM integrates five areas, catering to various student interests, allowing the sharing of diverse knowledge all at once.
(Students using Sphero robots to knock down bowling pins.)
(Students testing their handmade eco-friendly catamarans.)
AI Enhances Learning Enjoyment
All three students were eager to engage with innovative technology. One of the students felt that incorporating AI into lessons made learning more enjoyable, stating, 'Textbook knowledge can be dull, but expressing it through AI is much more interesting and easier to remember.' Her aspiration is to become a game designer, and she believes learning programming and innovative technology will help her achieve that goal. Another student added that AI aids learning; when he faced challenges and couldn’t ask a teacher for immediate help, he turned to AI for answers. After reviewing textbook knowledge, he could also use AI to search for additional information.