An integrative framework for artificial intelligence education

Abstract

Modern introductory courses on AI do not train students to create intelligent systems or provide broad coverage of this complex field. In this paper, we identify problems with common approaches to teaching artificial intelligence and suggest alternative principles that courses should adopt instead. We illustrate these principles in a proposed course that teaches students not only about component methods, such as pattern matching and decision making, but also about their combination into higher-level abilities for reasoning, sequential control, plan generation, and integrated intelligent agents. We also present a curriculum that instantiates this organization, including sample programming exercises and a project that requires system integration. Participants also gain experience building knowledge-based agents that use their software to produce intelligent behavior.