Gamifying AI Education for Young Minds: The TransAI Adventure in Learning

In the dynamic landscape of educational technology, the imperative to introduce young learners to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a compelling and digestible manner has never been more critical. This paper delineates the novel Integrated Gamification-AI Learning Theory (IGALT), a pedagogical framework that synergizes gamification with AI education to foster engaging and effective learning experiences. At the heart of demonstrating IGALT’s practical application is “TransAI,” an inventive Lego-Transformer-like character that serves as an educational tool bridging sophisticated AI concepts with playful learning. Equipped with vision for environmental interaction, a brain for analytical processing, and additional modules like “PetScada” for data gathering and “Scooper” for action-based learning, TransAI exemplifies how gamification can make AI education accessible and captivating for children. Set within a smart city context, TransAI embarks on various missions that translate abstract AI concepts into concrete, hands-on experiences, thus enabling children to explore, understand, and apply AI in problem-solving. This educational approach not only ignites creativity and imagination but also instills a foundational understanding of AI, preparing young minds for future technological landscapes. By integrating IGALT with the TransAI platform, this paper proposes a groundbreaking method to acquaint the younger generation with AI, nurturing an early interest in STEM fields through an engaging, imaginative, and practical learning journey.