Learning AI literacy in collaborative projects with an AI Education Tool by Making Machine Learning-Driven Apps: A case study from Finnish pre-service teacher education

This case study examines the integration of AI literacy into Finnish pre-service teacher education through the use of the GenAI Teachable Machine, an interactive AI education tool. The study was conducted as part of the "Generation AI" project, funded by the Strategic Research Council of Finland. The project involved 128 pre-service teachers in a technology-enhanced learning course. The AI workshop, a core component of the course, provided hands-on experience with machine learning-driven app development. Participants were introduced to basic AI concepts and engaged in creating their own AI applications, fostering practical understanding and critical thinking about AI technologies. The results indicated a significant increase in AI literacy among participants, with positive feedback highlighting the tool's ease of use and the workshop's relevance. This study underscores the importance of incorporating practical AI education in teacher training programs to equip future educators with the necessary skills to navigate and teach in an AI-integrated world.