Lego's latest educational kit aims to teach computer science fundamentals as part of its AI learning initiative, rather than focusing on building chatbots.
The Computer Science and AI Learning Solution is designed to introduce students in grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 to the basics of computer science through hands-on activities with Lego bricks, additional hardware, and lessons tailored to AI. The kit's design focuses on expanding what it means to teach computer science, rather than generating chatbot-like responses.
Lego Education's head of product experience, Andrew Silwinski, defended the company's approach, noting that teaching computer science is about more than just generative AI. "Helping children understand probability and statistics, data quality, algorithmic bias, sensors, machine perception – these are really foundational core ideas that go back to the 1970s," he said.
The kits include lessons on coding, looping code, triggering events and sequences, if/then conditionals, and more, which are taught through a combination of Lego-built models and hardware. The approach is designed to be local and self-contained, with no data sent across the internet or to third parties.
Lego also emphasized that its lessons do not anthropomorphize AI, unlike many consumer-facing tools like ChatGPT. Instead, the kits aim to teach students about the mechanics of computer science and AI, rather than making them believe in the magic of chatbots.
The company's initiative is part of a study it commissioned, which showed that teachers often lack resources to teach these subjects. Lego Education's approach addresses this gap by providing teachers with the tools they need to teach these concepts.
Lego's new course will be available for pre-order starting at $339.95, with shipping set to begin in April. The kits are designed for four students, and bundles and school district orders are also available.
The Computer Science and AI Learning Solution is designed to introduce students in grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 to the basics of computer science through hands-on activities with Lego bricks, additional hardware, and lessons tailored to AI. The kit's design focuses on expanding what it means to teach computer science, rather than generating chatbot-like responses.
Lego Education's head of product experience, Andrew Silwinski, defended the company's approach, noting that teaching computer science is about more than just generative AI. "Helping children understand probability and statistics, data quality, algorithmic bias, sensors, machine perception – these are really foundational core ideas that go back to the 1970s," he said.
The kits include lessons on coding, looping code, triggering events and sequences, if/then conditionals, and more, which are taught through a combination of Lego-built models and hardware. The approach is designed to be local and self-contained, with no data sent across the internet or to third parties.
Lego also emphasized that its lessons do not anthropomorphize AI, unlike many consumer-facing tools like ChatGPT. Instead, the kits aim to teach students about the mechanics of computer science and AI, rather than making them believe in the magic of chatbots.
The company's initiative is part of a study it commissioned, which showed that teachers often lack resources to teach these subjects. Lego Education's approach addresses this gap by providing teachers with the tools they need to teach these concepts.
Lego's new course will be available for pre-order starting at $339.95, with shipping set to begin in April. The kits are designed for four students, and bundles and school district orders are also available.
. I think it's awesome they're focusing on teaching the fundamentals of computer science rather than just chatbots. My kids would love building these things with Legos and learning about algorithms and sensors at the same time. It sounds like a really fun way to introduce them to coding and AI, and it's great that Lego is providing teachers with resources to make this possible. The fact that they're keeping everything local and not sending data online is also super reassuring. I'm gonna have to get my hands on one of these kits for our classroom or something 
Like, it's about time they started focusing on actual learning rather than just chatbot-making. I'm so over those "smart" toys that make everything sound all robotic and boring 
. The fact that this initiative is actually addressing the lack of resources teachers have is awesome, tho 
. I mean, who needs AI to talk like a human when you can learn about actual code and stuff? 
! Its so cool that they're teaching probability, statistics, data quality, and all that stuff that's like really important for real life 
. I wish more companies would do something like this, not just churn out products with AI on the side 
. $339.95 might seem like a lot, but if its going to be good for kids, it's worth it 
The fact that it's designed for kids as young as K-2 is incredible - it sets them up for success in tech and problem-solving skills that'll last a lifetime 
. It's great to see Lego Education taking the lead and creating content that's both fun and educational!
. And what about when they grow up? Are they just going to look back on these kits and think "oh yeah, I learned how to code with Lego bricks in 2nd grade"? 
. I think it's awesome that they're creating a self-contained learning experience for teachers too, no internet or 3rd party data needed