From learning about AI to creating with AI: M{AI}L in Turkish classrooms

Turkish students explored Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and developed their own ideas using Teachable Machine

Artificial Intelligence became a hands-on learning experience for students at Özel Fide Ortaokulu in Türkiye, where the M{AI}L project introduced AI and Machine Learning through practical classroom activities.

The implementation involved 110 students, 5 teachers and 6 classroom sessions, with students aged 10–11 from Grades 5 and 6. Activities connected AI with Computer Science, English, Turkish, Science and Mathematics.

Three steps from learning to creating

The implementation followed a clear progression.

First, students were introduced to the basic concepts of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, using the M{AI}L handbook and Teachable Machine.

In the second stage, teachers implemented lesson plans that integrated AI and Machine Learning activities into their own subjects.

Finally, students were challenged to create their own ideas for using Teachable Machine and test whether those ideas could work in practice.

This progression gave students the opportunity to move from understanding the basic concepts to experimenting independently and thinking about how AI could be applied to their own areas of interest.

Students take the lead

Teachers reported high levels of engagement and motivation throughout the activities. Students quickly became familiar with the way Teachable Machine works and demonstrated creativity when developing their own ideas.

The practical nature of the activities encouraged students to experiment and test what they had learned rather than simply receiving information about AI.

When some students found it difficult to develop ideas directly related to a particular subject, teachers encouraged them to think more freely and connect their ideas with other areas such as Art, Music, Physical Education or History. This helped create space for interdisciplinary thinking and experimentation.

Learning through experimentation

The classroom experience also highlighted some of the practical realities of introducing AI into schools. Small classroom spaces, background noise and lighting conditions created challenges for some activities, particularly those involving audio or image recognition.

Time management was another challenge, as the implementation coincided with national holidays, examination periods and the process of collecting parental consent. Despite these constraints, the planned activities were successfully completed.

A practical introduction to AI

The Turkish implementation showed how even younger students can engage with fundamental AI and Machine Learning concepts when these are introduced through hands-on experimentation, creativity and subject-related activities.

By creating their own ideas and testing them with Teachable Machine, students were given an opportunity to explore AI not only as a technology they use, but as something they can investigate, question and create with.

The experience in Türkiye is part of the wider M{AI}L implementation across Greece, Italy, Portugal and Türkiye, where students and teachers tested practical approaches to bringing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into real classroom environments.