K-12 Computer Science Education in the Era of AI

Dear Colleagues,

The accelerating adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across disciplines presents both a timely opportunity and a critical responsibility to examine its pedagogical and epistemological implications. As AI gains increasing attention in educational research, including within K–12 computer science (CS) education, it prompts us to ask the following questions: What are we truly teaching when we teach AI? And more broadly, what does the integration of AI mean for K–12 CS education?

This Special Issue invites researchers, educators, and practitioners to take an active role in shaping this transition, not only by adopting AI as a technological novelty but by critically exploring the meaningful pedagogical possibilities it offers in the K–12 CS classroom. We aim to highlight innovative research and practices in teaching CS across K–12 educational settings in the age of AI, paying attention to a range of geographical contexts, including rural, suburban, and urban environments.

We welcome a variety of contributions, including opinion pieces, empirical studies, theoretical analyses, and design-based research that investigates the following:

• Curriculum development and instructional design;
• Pedagogical strategies and learning experiences;
• Policy perspectives on AI and CS education;
• Interdisciplinary integration of AI and CS.

Suggested themes include the following:

• Rethinking K–12 CS Ed in the Age of AI;
• AI as a Pedagogical Partner for K–12 CS Ed;
• Ethical, Social, and Philosophical Dimensions of AI in K–12 CS Education;
• K–12 AI + CS Integration: Interdisciplinary Approaches;
• Preparing K–12 CS Educators for an AI-Infused World.

We encourage submissions that engage deeply with the transformative potential of AI in K–12 CS education and contribute to a richer understanding of how AI can reshape teaching, learning, and the future of K–12 computer science education.

Dr. Wei Yan
Dr. Feiya Luo
Dr. Yuhan (Jimmy) Lin
Dr. Meize Guo
Dr. Yerika Jiménez
Guest Editors

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