Understanding AI in Secondary School Education: How Technical Knowledge Affects Students' Technology-critical Understanding

Machine learning is widely used in society today. It is therefore crucial that children and young people develop insights into how machine learning works, as well as technology-critical skills to discuss and impact on how AI and machine learning are used today. In this study, we present a first analysis to understand the interplay between technical and technology-critical skills, focusing on the reflections of lower secondary school students from interviews. Preliminary findings indicate that while some students developed an understanding of machine learning mechanisms, others struggled to relate machine learning to the real world. We discuss which relevant technical aspects of machine learning are needed for students to become able to develop technology-critical skills. Future research should explore how focusing on technical aspects in a deeper and more specific way affects students' technology-critical understanding.