The Impact of Cooperative Learning-Based Physical Computing and AI-Integrated Relational Character Education Projects on AI Competency and Collaborative Problem-Solving Skills

Objectives This study aims to develop and implement an artificial intelligence-integrated relational character education project program based on a cooperative learning model, investigating whether it improves students' AI competency and collaborative problem-solving skills. Methods For this purpose, a pre-assessment of competencies was conducted to confirm the homogeneity of the groups among 47 sixth-grade elementary students in Asan, Chungcheongnam-do. One sixth-grade class was designated as the experimental group and the other as the control group, and the educational program was applied accordingly. Results A comparison of the pre- and post-tests within the experimental group that received the developed program showed significant improvements across all sub-elements related to AI competency and collaborative problem-solving skills. Additionally, when comparing the pre- and post-test results between the experimental and control groups, significant changes were observed in all sub-elements of AI competency and collaborative problem-solving skills. Conclusions This study proposes a concrete approach to AI-integrated education using modular physical computing based on cooperative learning for upper elementary grades. The developed program was shown to have a meaningful impact on AI competency and collaborative problem-solving skills. In particular, it positively influenced sub-elements of AI competency, such as AI application, attitudes toward AI, and AI ethics, as well as enhancing collaborative problem-solving abilities.