Mathematics & Artificial Intelligence: Intersections and Educational Implications

Abstract

Educational jurisdictions worldwide are integrating AI education in their curricula, across grades K-12, and across subject areas, with a focus on AI applications, societal implications, and AI ethics. Jurisdictions also focusing on how AI works and how AI is developed are realizing that AI relies heavily on mathematical algorithms. The jurisdictions that are advancing K-12 AI mathematics curricula to prepare students to understand and apply the mathematics concepts used by AI systems are focused on grades 11-12 courses. This paper investigates how AI mathematics curricula may be designed for younger grades. First, we take a close look at the nature of a neural network and identify the mathematics typically used. Second, we review K-12 AI curricula in Canada and internationally and note that they lack a focus on AI mathematics. Third, we offer examples of how we may engage students across grades with mathematics used in the neural networks. Last, we look at future directions of AI mathematics education and research. Neural networks are not the only approach to AI, and there is more to AI than neural networks. However, neural networks have led to impressive progress in the field of AI, such as the development of large language models like ChatGPT. For our paper, focusing on neural networks gives us a sufficient starting point for addressing the questions we raise. This paper contributes to conversations about the intersection of AI education and mathematics education, and the development and research of AI mathematics curricula and teaching and learning resources across K-12.