Active-ating artiicial intelligence: Integrating active learning in an introductory course

Abstract

This column describes my experience with using a new classroom space (the ACTIVE Center), which was designed to facilitate group-based active learning and problem solving, to teach an introductory artificial intelligence course. By restructuring the course into a format that was roughly half lecture and half small-group problem solving, I was able to significantly increase student engagement, their understanding and retention of difficult concepts, and my own enjoyment in teaching the class.