“Little Language Models” is a novel co-creative mathematical microworld within the CoCo platform (coco.build). It is designed for groups of children (ages 8-16) to explore together the powerful ideas of probabilistic thinking, modeling, and learning that lie at the core of Generative AI systems. The tool provides custom probabilistic blocks and representations that let children easily build their own little models using their own data (including images, sounds, or text). They can use those to create a wide variety of projects with peers in real-time such as—generative art, music, and stories; adaptive games; interactive visualizations; and advanced projects using Markov blocks. The tool is designed to make key ideas underlying AI systems accessible and engaging for kids.
Manuj Dhariwal
Doctoral Researcher, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Manuj Dhariwal (along with his partner, Shruti) is a final-year PhD candidate at MIT Media Lab, and co-creator of Little Language Models. Manuj and Shruti have both been recipients of the LEGO Papert Fellowship for their research at the intersection of creativity, learning, play, and new technologies. Their joint doctoral work on developing CoCo (coco.build) has been featured by MIT News and EdSurge, with educators from 85+ countries signing up to use this new co-creative learning platform for children. Previously, Manuj completed his master’s at MIT in EECS, majoring in AI/ML, and won the MIT-wide Deep Learning Algorithms competition. Before MIT, Manuj founded a game design company, creating games and apps in the areas of language learning and supporting neurodiverse children, that reached over 250,000 families and 3000 schools. For this work, he earned the ‘Top 10 Indian Innovators’ award by the Science and Technology Board, Govt. of India.
