An academic league's framework for integrating teaching, research, and community outreach in AI education.

In plain terms

How can universities effectively teach Artificial Intelligence (AI) and engage students in practical applications, research, and community service? Researchers at the Federal University of Santa Catarina developed an organizational framework for their Academic League of Artificial Intelligence (LIA). This framework focuses on student-centered, project-based learning, combining democratic governance (where students have a say), collaborative learning, and flexible project organization. They aimed to develop both technical skills in AI and 'transversal competencies,' such as leadership and teamwork. The framework was successfully applied through various initiatives, including student teams for competitions, study groups, public lectures, and creating AI tools for social good. The authors suggest this flexible model can be replicated by other student organizations to integrate teaching, research, and community extension in engineering and computing fields.