An Analysis of Research Trends in Artificial Intelligence Education in Korean Elementary and Secondary Schools: Focusing on a Comparison by School Level

Objectives This study analyzes trends in domestic elementary and secondary AI education research, suggesting directions for future studies and providing insights to support further research activities. Methods To investigate research trends in AI education for elementary and secondary schools in South Korea, The literature was searched using RISS by combining nine keywords: ‘AI,’ ‘artificial intelligence,’ ‘chatbot,’ ‘machine learning,’, ‘deep learning’, ‘education,’ ‘class,’ ‘learning,’ and ‘teaching’. After a second screening, we selected 140 documents published from 2019 to March 2023 and analyzed them based on basic, research purposes, meth-ods, and content trends. Results First, the number of publications in domestic AI education research for elementary and secondary schools increased from 2019 to 2021 but decreased by one in 2022, with 21 papers published by March 2023. Second, the study subjects were ranked in order of elementary, middle, and high school levels. Third, the primary research fo-cus for elementary and middle schools was on ‘Development and Application of AI Education Programs,’ while high school research also included ‘Analysis of AI Education Curriculum.’ Fourth, developmental research was the most common method, focusing on AI education programs and teaching models across all levels. Fifth, ‘Other’ and ‘Mathematics’ were the most frequently applied subjects. Sixth, the most common teaching methods in-cluded ‘Other,’ emphasizing experiential learning and practical training. Lastly, the most common dependent vari-ables were ‘Attitudes towards artificial intelligence’ at the elementary level, ‘Academic achievement’ at the middle level, and ‘Other’ at the high school level. Conclusions This study is significant in analyzing trends in AI education research within domestic elementary and secondary schools, thereby shedding light on future research directions.