Sophia Rondinelli on her experience with Vodafone’s learning game
Activities are underway for LV8. Coding for girls, the STEAM course that tests and enhances the skills of high school students using LV8, the free app from the Vodafone Foundation. Participating schools hold a two-hour, in-person training course to present the LV8 mission impossible learning game that engages students in a group challenge. The students who produce the most creative ideas, selected by a jury, will participate in a final day of creative design (a creathon) in Rome, including a work session for the finalization of the project on the new LV8 adventure, the presentation of the projects, and an awards ceremony.
Talking to us about the first training appointments on 15, 16 and 18 April is our Coach Sophia Rondinelli, who will be 23 in May and is studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Roma Tre, presents the course sessions on April 15,16, and 18. She is currently enrolled in the course on "Artificial Intelligence: New Technology, Ethics and Legal Skills."
“The course was held at the Istituto superiore Federico Caffè for students in years two and four of the IT, applied sciences, and tourism programmes. The students approached the world of generative artificial intelligence with the LV8 app in a captivating and innovative manner. The challenge was divided into the various levels typical of a learning game. Students were involved in a digital escape room and asked to solve questions, progressively advancing in difficulty. Imagine a virtual puzzle week, in which teams of three to five students test their intuitive abilities and knowledge to answer questions and solve puzzles in a collaborative manner. After four levels, the fifth stage of the game presents a safe that must be opened. Once students obtain the key, they have the information and materials necessary to prepare a creative project for the final challenge. The appointment is May 20th at the University of Roma Tre."
What’s the aim of the game?
The experience aims to introduce students to the use of artificial intelligence not only as a tool with which to easily overcome a difficulty or to develop a project, but as a piece of a larger goal to enhance and develop problem-solving skills. And also, to discover that AI is not always the best tool for solving puzzles. Sometimes, libraries are better; sometimes, it is search engines, but in any case it is intuition, empathy, connection with emotions, and reasoning that allows you to successfully complete the course . After the fifth level, you can apply for a job position at a "legal" hacker agency. Moreover, finishing the game increases the chances of being selected for the final hackathon in May and it is also preparatory to obtaining the open badge, i.e. a certification of the skills acquired which could also be useful for a future job.
How was the project received?
The younger students were surprised and artificial intelligence, in particular, was welcomed with curiosity and joy. There was a lot of enthusiastic feedback as, unlike curricular subjects, these courses open windows onto alternative topics that can develop interest in different subjects that belong to one's cultural and human background, as well as for a future job. With the knowledge that, when faced by an alien who has landed on Earth, human intelligence and artificial intelligence diverge at least in one fundamental component, which brings us back to the individual: emotions."
Did any reactions particularly strike you?
The young women were surprising! Although they initially hesitated, during this initial round of the challenge, they gave their best and were eager to learn. They realized that they had what it took to tackle STEAM subjects with enthusiasm and from a completely different point of view compared to their male classmates. This experience led me to reflect on the richness and diversity that each of us brings to the world of learning and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to witness the growing confidence of these young women, as well as to have served as a role model for some of them.
Interview by Onelia Onorati.
