Constructive alignment by implementing design thinking approach in artificial intelligence course: learners' experience

Abstract

Constructive alignment is a student-centered teaching principle to support students in developing meaningful and effective learning in achieving the intended learning outcomes. The 21st Century learning skills have been introduced to prepare learners the abilities required to adapt better in modern working environment. This idea is rapidly implemented as part of the intended learning outcomes in educational curriculum globally. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is currently one of the highly demand course to realize the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), that requires re-aligning the syllabus with this 21st century learning skills specifically in critical thinking and creativity skills. Nevertheless, it was observed that learners' performance in previous AI course are not up to par with the requirement, reflecting just average problem solving and creativity skills. Thus, this study proposed to implement Design Thinking as a systematic problem-solving approach to strengthen learner's problem-solving skills in AI course. The course learning outcomes were re-aligned and mapped with the 21st century learning skills and include the Design Thinking systematic phases for improvement. The changes resulted a more positive experiences and reflections from learners towards Design Thinking approach in their AI project execution.