Core Viewpoint - The integration of AI and programming education is essential for nurturing future scientists and enhancing cognitive skills in children, as emphasized by Nobel laureate George Smoot and the founder of Yuan Programming, Li Yi [1][2][6]. Group 1: Importance of Programming Education - Programming is not merely a technical skill but a critical thinking tool that enhances cognitive abilities and prepares children for future challenges in a digital world [2][9]. - Smoot highlights that understanding the underlying algorithms of AI systems is crucial for maintaining human agency in an AI-driven future [2][3]. - The traditional focus on skill acquisition in programming education is insufficient; the emphasis should be on developing a comprehensive understanding of AI and its implications [2][6]. Group 2: AI Collaboration and Human Creativity - The future will see a collaborative relationship between humans and AI, where AI handles repetitive tasks while humans focus on creative decision-making [3][6]. - Smoot illustrates this with the example of autonomous vehicles, where engineers who understand the algorithms are irreplaceable [3][6]. - The educational practices at Yuan Programming validate the importance of interdisciplinary thinking, as students use programming to enhance their creative writing and problem-solving skills [3][10]. Group 3: Yuan Programming's Achievements - Since its establishment in 2017, Yuan Programming has served over 6 million students and achieved global recognition in three international AI competitions [5]. - The organization has built a leading community for children's programming in China, with over 200,000 active students and more than 1 million creative works produced [5][6]. - Yuan Programming's approach emphasizes the cultivation of computational thinking through practical projects and AI interactions, fostering independent thought among students [6][9]. Group 4: The 4C Framework - The "4C framework" developed by Yuan Programming focuses on cognitive abilities, compound thinking, cross-discipline integration, and self-efficacy to prepare students for future challenges [6][7]. - The framework aims to enhance foundational cognitive skills through progressive programming training, which is crucial during the critical developmental period of ages 4 to 16 [9][10]. - By integrating various subjects, Yuan Programming allows students to see the connections between mathematics, language, and science through programming, making abstract concepts more tangible [10].