Mathematics, Data science and AI Smart Higher Education have been introduced in high schools, technical colleges, and universities across Japan as part of a national strategy to strengthen digital transformation capabilities. However, the impact of these initiatives on students' attitudes towards AI and their interest in mathematics and data science remains insufficiently explored. This study examines data science literacy courses at two universities: Kokushikan University in Tokyo, where the course is offered to students from the Faculty of Political Science and Economics, Faculty of Physical Education, School of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Letters, School of Asia 21, and Faculty of Business; and Hiroshima University, a national comprehensive university, where the course is available to students from the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Information Sciences, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Letters, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Economics, and Faculty of Integrated Arts and Sciences. The environment at each university differs, and so does students' (initial) motivation for data science. We surveyed over 900 first-year students in AY2024 to assess their awareness, confidence, and interest in AI-related topics using a 7-point Likert scale questionnaire based on intrinsic motivation, translated into Japanese. Results show that over half of the students at both institutions highly value learning about AI and find it engaging. We discuss implications for designing future educational policies and practices to support diverse learners.

Authors:
Rie Enomoto, Kokushikan University, Japan
Yoshinori Honma, Kokushikan University, Japan
Tomohiro Inagaki, Hiroshima University, Japan
Naoki Itoh, Kokushikan University, Japan
Yuko Murakami, Hiroshima University, Japan
Ryosuke Oyanagi, Kokushikan University, Japan
Motoo Sekiguchi, Kokushikan University, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Rie Enomoto is a lecturer at the Faculty of Physical Education, Kokushikan University in Japan.

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