Lego's Latest Educational Kit Aims to Teach Computer Science and AI Without Building a Chatbot
In a surprising move, the popular toy brand has introduced its latest educational kit that focuses on teaching computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) skills. The kit, part of Lego Education's Smart Play system, aims to introduce children to fundamental concepts in computer science, such as probability, statistics, data quality, and algorithmic bias, without relying on AI-powered chatbots.
According to Andrew Silwinski, head of product experience at Lego Education, the idea is not to generate sloppy images or music but to expand what it means to be fluent in computer science. "We started working on this before ChatGPT became big," he said. "Some of the ideas that underline AI are really powerful foundational ideas, regardless of the current frontier model."
The kit is designed for four students to work together with teacher supervision and incorporates Lego bricks, additional hardware, and lessons tailored to introduce the fundamentals of AI as an extension of existing computer science education. The courses cover various age groups, from K-2 to 6-8, and are aimed at bridging the gap between what teachers find available resources for teaching these subjects.
Lego Education conducted a study that found half of teachers globally reported feeling that current resources leave students bored, while nearly half stated that computer science is not relatable or connects to students' interests. To address this, Lego created a course that introduces coding, looping code, triggering events and sequences, if/then conditionals, and more through the combination of Lego-built models and other hardware.
The kit's approach differs significantly from consumer-facing AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. Silwinski emphasized that the lessons never anthropomorphize AI, avoiding the common mistake of presenting it as human or magical to children. Instead, the kits focus on local inference on devices and train students' own machine learning models in a controlled environment.
Lego's approach also reflects its existing Smart Play system, where technology is made invisible, allowing kids to build and learn without relying on screens or apps. The Computer Science and AI kit builds upon this concept, offering lessons that don't require a screen, particularly for younger students, and sets with a mesh-like mode that connect motors and sensors together to create complex interactions.
The kits are now available for pre-order, starting at $339.95 for the K-2 set, with prices increasing to $429.95 and $529.95 for 3-5 and 6-8 sets, respectively. School districts can also request a quote for larger orders.
In a surprising move, the popular toy brand has introduced its latest educational kit that focuses on teaching computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) skills. The kit, part of Lego Education's Smart Play system, aims to introduce children to fundamental concepts in computer science, such as probability, statistics, data quality, and algorithmic bias, without relying on AI-powered chatbots.
According to Andrew Silwinski, head of product experience at Lego Education, the idea is not to generate sloppy images or music but to expand what it means to be fluent in computer science. "We started working on this before ChatGPT became big," he said. "Some of the ideas that underline AI are really powerful foundational ideas, regardless of the current frontier model."
The kit is designed for four students to work together with teacher supervision and incorporates Lego bricks, additional hardware, and lessons tailored to introduce the fundamentals of AI as an extension of existing computer science education. The courses cover various age groups, from K-2 to 6-8, and are aimed at bridging the gap between what teachers find available resources for teaching these subjects.
Lego Education conducted a study that found half of teachers globally reported feeling that current resources leave students bored, while nearly half stated that computer science is not relatable or connects to students' interests. To address this, Lego created a course that introduces coding, looping code, triggering events and sequences, if/then conditionals, and more through the combination of Lego-built models and other hardware.
The kit's approach differs significantly from consumer-facing AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. Silwinski emphasized that the lessons never anthropomorphize AI, avoiding the common mistake of presenting it as human or magical to children. Instead, the kits focus on local inference on devices and train students' own machine learning models in a controlled environment.
Lego's approach also reflects its existing Smart Play system, where technology is made invisible, allowing kids to build and learn without relying on screens or apps. The Computer Science and AI kit builds upon this concept, offering lessons that don't require a screen, particularly for younger students, and sets with a mesh-like mode that connect motors and sensors together to create complex interactions.
The kits are now available for pre-order, starting at $339.95 for the K-2 set, with prices increasing to $429.95 and $529.95 for 3-5 and 6-8 sets, respectively. School districts can also request a quote for larger orders.
I'm all about exploring new ways to learn about tech and AI without getting too caught up in fancy tools like ChatGPT 
. Lego's latest kit is super cool because it teaches the basics of computer science and AI in a hands-on way - no screens or apps needed! 
They're focusing on concepts that are actually useful, like probability, statistics, and algorithmic bias, which I think is really smart 
. It's awesome that they're making tech accessible to younger students too, especially those who might find it boring when learning about it in a traditional classroom setting 
. I'd totally consider getting this kit for my kids (or myself 
) - who wouldn't want to build their own AI models and learn from Lego bricks? 
. It's so cool that they're focusing on the basics of computer science without relying on AI-powered chatbots 
. I mean, who doesn't love building with blocks and learning at the same time? It's like they're taking that same magic and applying it to real-life computer science concepts. Plus, by not anthropomorphizing AI, they're teaching kids about machine learning in a way that's actually relatable.
. It's all about collaboration and hands-on learning, which I think is the key to helping kids really get a grip on these concepts. And let's be real, $339.95 might be a bit steep for some families, but if it means giving more students access to this kind of education, I'm totally down 
.
plus its all about hands-on learning which i think is so much better than just staring at screens all day... my mom is actually a teacher and she's gonna love this! btw has anyone else tried the lego smart play system? 
