“AI is not just a robot; it’s more than a robot.”: Understanding children’s AI competencies in an AI literacy workshop

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes integrated into daily life, children encounter it without understanding its mechanisms or ethics. This study examines a five-day online AI literacy workshop for children aged 7–11, focused on foundational knowledge, hands-on engagement, and critical thinking. Using a socio-constructivist framework, the workshop employed open-access resources and guided activities to introduce AI concepts, model training, and creative applications. Data from interviews, videos, and artifacts revealed themes: understanding AI, creating models, designing with AI, and reflecting on learning. Participants gained awareness of AI’s functionality, societal impact, and creative potential, highlighting the value of interactive, collaborative activities in building confidence and democratizing AI education for young learners.