What We Talk About When We Talk About AI

As schools respond to growing interest and concern around artificial intelligence, educators and leaders are being asked to explain what AI is, how it works, and why it matters, often to audiences with very different levels of technical background. This interactive workshop from Data Science for Everyone focuses on building a shared, plain-language understanding of how data literacy and data science form the foundation for meaningful AI literacy. Led by DS4E’s Communications Specialist, Shea Stripling, and Instructional Design Director, Mahmoud Harding, this session will unpack the core ideas students need to understand AI, drawing from DS4E’s nationally developed K-12 Data Science and Data Literacy Learning Progressions. Participants will explore how data competency scaffolds into data science skills and, ultimately, into AI literacy. The workshop will also provide a practical communications guide to help participants translate these ideas for different audiences — from students and teachers to families, school boards, and community members — using clear language, shared definitions, and trusted field consensus.