Code.org Introduces Python-Based AI Curriculum for K-12 Students

Code.org Introduces Python-Based AI Curriculum for K-12 Students

Code.org has updated its curriculum for middle and high school students to include a new Python Lab, emphasizing AI and data science. The initiative introduces a Computer Science and AI Foundations program with units on AI programming and data science, aiming to integrate AI tools into education. A detailed syllabus outlines a second semester of content, focusing on building programming skills alongside AI concepts.

New videos on Code.org’s YouTube channel highlight Python’s versatility for data science, featuring insights from Walmart and University of Washington experts. The organization is recruiting teachers for a Professional Learning program to prepare them for the new curriculum, offering scholarships and incentives for participation. Code.org’s shift to Python and AI aligns with its new mission to prioritize CS and, following a previous focus on Java through a $15 million Amazon-funded initiative, illustrates a strategic move towards AI-driven educational content. The nonprofit is launching a national campaign with tech leaders to promote the inclusion of CS and AI in graduation requirements, marking a significant evolution in its educational outreach.