Students visually and experientially understand what AI is and how it learns, using no-code tools like Scratch and Teachable Machine. They pick up AI vocabulary in Korean and English at the same time and build computational thinking and data intuition. E1 is not direct KOAI prep; it's the starting point of the KOAI advancement pipeline that, once students reach the eligible grade, lets them enter prepared rather than from a cold start.
Published: May 16, 2026 | Last updated: May 16, 2026 · Based on the KOAI 2026 guidelines
Track
Elementary Pipeline
KOAI advancement prep
Target Grade
Grades 2–3 (elementary)
Faster students, late 1st grade
Recommended Hours
About 10 hours
For 1:1 · varies 6–14 hours
KOAI Mapping
Not direct prep
Getting ready to enter the eligible grade
By the end of E1, the student will visually and experientially understand what AI is and how it learns. Rather than abstract explanations, they learn the principles hands-on by collecting data and training models themselves. At the same time, they acquire AI vocabulary in both Korean and English, building a foundation for taking in concepts in both languages throughout all future learning. Building computational thinking and data intuition (a sense for reading graphs and tables and spotting data in everyday life) is also a core goal.
E1 is not direct KOAI prep. That's because elementary students aren't yet at the eligible grade for KOAI. Instead, E1 is the starting point of a pipeline that lets students enter prepared rather than from a cold start when they reach the eligible grade (7th grade). The earlier you start, the more depth you'll have built up by the time of the KOAI exam.
You can start as long as you can read and write Korean (Hangul) and handle the basics of a mouse and keyboard. E1 is for students with no Python experienceand requires no separate prior coding. Python begins in the next course, E2.
Below is the standard 1:1 plan. Depending on the student's grade and pace, some weeks are sped up and compressed or covered in more depth. Core tools: Scratch + ScratchML, Google Teachable Machine, Quick Draw, AutoDraw, AI for Oceans (code.org), Google AI Experiments.
| Week | Topic | Key Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | What is AI: comparing how humans, animals, and machines learn | Korean-English AI vocabulary cards |
| 3-4 | How computers see pictures (Quick Draw, AutoDraw) | A first data-collection activity |
| 5-6 | How computers hear speech (speech recognition experience) | A voice-command interactive |
| 7-9 | Training a first model with Teachable Machine (image classification) | One classification model |
| 10-11 | Bias and fairness (kid-friendly examples) | Case discussion notes |
| 12-15 | Scratch + ScratchML mini-project | An AI-powered mini-game |
| 16-18 | Data intuition (reading graphs and tables, collecting everyday data) | One data visualization |
| 19-20 | Presentation to family & friends | Presentation video |
※ Weeks are content units; actual time varies by student. Recommended about 10 hours, ranging 6–14 hours.
Every hands-on activity leaves a deliverable. Korean-English AI vocabulary cards, a Teachable Machine classification model, bias-and-fairness discussion notes, and more — each activity is captured as a tangible output.
Students complete one Scratch AI project and one Teachable Machine demo, then record a video presenting them to their family. The first work a student creates becomes a lasting record.
E1 leaves the student's own first digital footprint. The published Teachable Machine model and Scratch project links become date-stamped records that prove the "starting point of an AI learning journey" in a future application essay.
For the KOAI Round 1 application, Portfolio 40% is a function of time. The earlier you start in elementary school, the deeper your level by the time you sit the exam.
E1 is the starting point of the KOAI progression pipeline. For the full track structure, see KOAI Prep Curriculum Hub.
Previous Step (Prerequisite)
Elementary pipeline start
This course is the starting point
Current Course
E1. Elementary AI Introduction
No-code AI literacy
We recommend grades 2-3, and faster learners can start in the second half of grade 1. Students can begin as long as they can read and write Korean and handle basic mouse and keyboard operations.
No. E1 is not direct KOAI prep — it is the starting point of a pipeline that brings students into the eligibility grades already prepared. KOAI can be taken starting in middle school.
Yes. E1 is designed for students with no Python experience; they explore AI principles using no-code tools like Scratch and Teachable Machine. Python begins in the next course, E2.
E2 (Elementary Python + Data) → E3 (Elementary First ML) → and, upon entering 7th grade, the M1 Middle School Comprehensive track. For exact KOAI exam dates, see the KOAI competition guide (https://citcoding.com/competitions/koai.html).
We design the right starting point in the elementary KOAI pipeline for your child's grade and temperament during a diagnostic session.