AI Odyssey: Designing and Evaluating a Board Game for Family-Based AI Literacy

AI literacy remains a critical gap in modern education, particularly for families lacking access to specialized digital infrastructure. To address this, AI Odyssey functions as an unplugged, role-playing board game designed to demystify artificial intelligence through a Co-Play-Learn framework. By positioning parents and children as equal co-learners, the game facilitates an exploration of machine learning processes, data collection, and the broader sociocultural implications of technology. This approach seeks to improve conceptual understanding and self-efficacy without the barrier of technical expertise, aiming to bridge the digital divide through collaborative, tabletop engagement.

The game utilizes endogenous mechanics to simulate algorithm training and data management, while exogenous event cards introduce ethical dilemmas. Evaluations conducted with families indicate that while the game successfully fosters intergenerational learning—often with children assuming the role of facilitators—it faces significant challenges regarding cognitive load. Initial play sessions are frequently hindered by dense terminology and complex rules, which can prioritize mechanical mastery over educational outcomes. However, repeated exposure demonstrates that as players overcome the initial learning curve, strategic engagement increases, leading to measurable gains in AI literacy and interest.

Ultimately, tabletop gaming serves as a viable medium for teaching complex technical concepts, provided that educational content is deeply integrated into the core gameplay loop rather than presented as passive information. The findings suggest that future iterations must prioritize balancing game difficulty to mitigate player frustration while expanding testing to more diverse populations. By refining the intersection of game design and pedagogical goals, these tools can effectively cultivate a foundational understanding of AI, empowering families to navigate an increasingly automated world with greater confidence and critical awareness.