Problem

The children in newly constructed rural towns in Guizhou, China, face the challenge of poverty, limited education, and mental strain. With a curriculum and teacher shortage, these children experience shortened school hours and frequent breaks, receiving both lesser quality and quantity of education compared to their urban peers. Recognizing this plight, the DASHANXIAOAI Nonprofit Organization established community libraries within these towns to foster educational opportunities and empower these children to thrive. However, there was a need for an innovative curricula that could aid the students in understanding resources around them and bringing high-quality education to the children.

Solution

To address this problem, we created an AI-assisted design thinking program for the library. The program aims to help students understand resources around them while bringing high-quality education to the children. By the end of the lesson, students will significantly advance their 21st Century Competencies by fostering a profound connection with their local community. The students will not only grasp the intricacies of the design thinking process but also acquire practical skills in employing it to nurture and evolve entrepreneurial concepts. Our team worked closely with DASHANXIAOAI Nonprofit Organization's volunteers who come from all over the country. We used our expertise in AI-assisted design thinking programs to create a curriculum that is tailored specifically for these communities' needs.

AI Assistant

https://chat.openai.com/share/c1e74189-8b38-433d-b41c-ea50cbd54fd7

Lesson Plan

Fostering Young Entrepreneurs - An AI-Powered Design Thinking Workshop for K-6 Innovators

Objective:

- Introduce K-6 students to the design thinking process and cultivate 21st-century competencies.

- Enhance entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving skills.

- Foster a profound connection between students and their local community.

- Utilize local resources to instill a sense of optimism and belonging.

Pre-Assessment:

- Conduct a brief survey to gauge students' understanding of entrepreneurship and design thinking.

- Assess baseline knowledge of local resources and community awareness.

Materials:

- Whiteboard and markers

- Sticky notes

- Craft supplies (papers, scissors, glue)

- Laptops/computers with internet access

- Printers

- Game materials (dice, game cards)

- Large chart paper

- Camera or smartphone for documentation

Activity 1: Introduction (30 mins)

1. Welcome and Icebreaker (10 mins)

- Engage students with a fun icebreaker game to create a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

2. Overview of Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking (20 mins)

- Present a simple and engaging video or story to introduce entrepreneurship and the design thinking process.

- Discuss basic concepts and importance.

Activity 2: Empathize (30 mins)

1. Storytelling Session (15 mins)

- Share stories of successful entrepreneurs from similar backgrounds to inspire students.

2. Empathy Mapping Activity (15 mins)

- Divide students into small groups.

- Provide materials for creating empathy maps (sticky notes, markers).

- Instruct students to identify problems in their community and express them visually on empathy maps.

Activity 3: Define (30 mins)

1. Mind Mapping (15 mins)

- Introduce mind mapping as a tool for defining problems.

- Guide students in creating mind maps of the identified community problems.

2. Problem Statement (15 mins)

- Discuss and refine problem statements as a class.

- Choose a common problem that can be solved within the library or multifunctional space.

Activity 4: Ideate (45 mins)

1. Crazy 8s Ideation Game (20 mins)

- Explain the Crazy 8s game – each student sketches eight quick ideas in eight minutes.

- Encourage creativity and diversity of thought.

2. Prototype Planning (25 mins)

- In small groups, students select the most promising idea.

- Provide craft supplies for creating a simple prototype.

- Discuss the importance of iteration.

Activity 5: Prototype (45 mins)

1. Prototype Construction (30 mins)

- Students work on building their prototypes using available materials.

- Encourage collaboration and creativity.

2. Presentation Prep (15 mins)

- Instruct each group to prepare a short presentation introducing their prototype.

Activity 6: Test (30 mins)

1. Peer Feedback (15 mins)

- Groups present their prototypes to the class.

- Classmates provide constructive feedback using a feedback form.

2. Iteration Discussion (15 mins)

- Facilitate a discussion on the importance of feedback and the iterative process.

Post-Assessment:

- Reflective Journaling: Have students write or draw in their journals about what they learned and how they feel about the design thinking process.

Accommodations:

- Provide additional support for younger students.

- Encourage teamwork and collaboration.

- Allow flexibility in expressing ideas through drawing or writing.

Closure (15 mins):

- Thank students for their participation.

- Discuss the importance of their ideas in improving the community.

- Highlight the resources available in the library for future projects.

Follow-up:

- Create a display in the library showcasing students' prototypes.

- Encourage students to continue developing their ideas.

- Facilitate a community event where students present their projects to parents and community members.

AI-Generated Slides

https://gamma.app/docs/vebn6zglqd499y4?token=&following_id=fqqy06o8i0hxr0n&follow_on_start=true

AI-Generated Video

https://ai.invideo.io/watch/Jp2t-f5PQny

Impact

Increased access to high-quality education for underprivileged children
Improved student engagement and participation in learning activities
Increase in students' 21st Century Competencies

AI Program Boosts Rural Education in China