Chalkboards to Chatbots: Need for Nurturing young AI talent

AI is no longer just a buzzword. It is redefining how businesses operate, innovate, and engage with customers. The education sector is no exception, and the shift from traditional, teacher-centred approaches to AI-driven tools and technologies is already underway.

Crafting AI-focused curricula and building AI skills by including necessary training in schools is still nascent. I think this is the prime moment to advance these efforts while the infrastructure to support them is still being developed.

Join the conversation to share your thoughts -

I. Stories of young changemakers in AI across the world

Introducing AI to young children fosters children as technology users and also makes them future-ready for innovations and creators in this space.

1) There is a platform called AI4ALL that introduces middle and high school students to AI through hands-on projects and mentorship from AI experts. Forbes Insights quoted Aidan Wen, a high school junior, who won a $12,000 prize for developing an ML model to detect pneumonia in lung X-rays.

2)?Prajwal NH, a 14-year-old boy, is a certified Python programmer, Azure AI engineer and a scrum master. He holds recognition from India Book records as the youngest Azure AI engineer

3)?Pranjali Awasti, a 14-year-old boy based in the US, has come up with an AI-based sign language detector for a mental health companion App, Analytics India Magazine

4)?Ansh Shankar is working on utilizing AI to analyze satellite imagery, which can identify plastic accumulations in remote areas, support cleanup efforts, and provide data for environmental policy changes.

5) The Vouge India featured Zoe Kothari, 18, who made a Chatbot that allows the differently abled community to find accessible jobs, learn about laws that protect them, and make the individuals their allies.

Their work signifies the potential and importance of nurturing young talent in this rapidly evolving field.

II. Benefits of Introducing AI to Children in Early Classes ?

1. Enhanced Academic Performance

There is a positive correlation between personalized AI-based adaptive learning and improved academic achievement, engagement, and satisfaction. Amit Das, et., al 2023

2. Development of Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

AI fosters the development of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in children. It encourages them to approach problems systematically, develop algorithms, and understand logic, which are essential skills for future learning, as noted by Darwin et al. 2023

3. Social and Emotional Skill Development

AI tools also promote social and emotional growth by facilitating collaboration, communication, and empathy opportunities. This aspect is crucial for holistic development, as discussed by Su and Zhong 2022

4. AI Literacy and Core Concepts

AI literacy is a vital component of digital literacy. Through interactive AI tools, children can explore core AI concepts, such as pattern recognition and predictive algorithms. This engagement with AI-interfaced toys or robots enhances creativity, emotional intelligence, and collaborative skills, according to Kewalramani et al. 2021 and Su & Yang, 2022.

5. Curriculum Integration

Incorporating AI into early childhood curriculums can improve interdisciplinary learning and provide a comprehensive understanding of various technologies, as described by Yang, 2022

6. Motivation and Participation

AI tools that offer personalized feedback and adaptive learning environments can enhance student motivation and participation, which is essential for effective learning, according to Cornell University, 2022

7. Critical Thinking Development

Structured activities involving AI can further develop critical thinking skills, which are fundamental for both academic success and personal growth, as noted by Marr, 2022.

8. Enhanced Engagement through Gamification

AI tools frequently incorporate gamification elements, significantly boosting student engagement and motivation. This approach turns learning into an interactive and enjoyable experience, as highlighted by Dichev and Dicheva, 2017.

While how to introduce AI curriculum is a topic of research, some countries are making significant efforts to promote AI teaching. This is being implemented in diverse AI training experiences, from data-driven designs to interactive data visualizations, robotics, VR, games, or workshops.

lII. Trends & How AI is advancing learning in the modern education system for children

The potential market in AI in Education is vast, and the societal impact is profound. Recently, Google.org announced funding support for using AI to progress toward tUN's N's Sustainable Development Goals. Salesforce pledges mentorship and technology, providing $2 million in funding to help six nonprofits accelerate AI solutions for social impact. Recently Microsoft and Khan Academy partnered to expand access to AI tools for personalized teaching.

The education field is not an exception. The EdTech market is projected to grow significantly due to AI, as the global AI education market is expected to increase from USD 1.1 billion in 2020 to USD 20 billion by 2027. Let us delve into some key ways AI is simplifying and transforming the modern education system:

Currently, popular and widely used use cases are Adaptive Learning Platforms like Smart Sparrow, Intelligent Tutoring Systems tools like Carnegie Learning MATHia, Administrative Efficiency solutions like Gradescope that automate grading and administrative tasks, Student Assessment and Predictive Analytics tools to analyse performance data and predict outcomes, and Platforms like Brightspace Insights use AI-driven analytics to inform teaching strategies and interventions. Bedtimestory.AI, Oscar Stories, Storytailor and HyperWrite, cool toys like Teddy Speakz for good parenting. Real-time feedback tools such as Gradescope can automatically grade assignments and provide instant feedback, helping students understand their errors immediately. Automated Content Creation tools like Content Technologies, Inc. (CTI) use AI to quickly generate textbooks and other learning materials. Teacher Support: AI systems like IBM Watson Education assist teachers by handling routine administrative tasks.

IV. Things to be aware of -

The Guardian reported that In 2017, CloudPets teddy bears were pulled from stores after a data breach exposed private information, including photos and recordings of over two million children. This incident highlights significant privacy concerns associated with AI applications, which often collect sensitive data. Children might accidentally share personal information, leading to misuse or breaches. Overreliance on AI could also impact their cognitive and social development, potentially reducing face-to-face interactions.

This also calls for raising awareness of the importance of learning about AI from an early age.

The Future Is Now, it's essential to develop a trustworthy AI path for children.

As AI and education intersect, future collaboration trends for policymakers, investors, EdTech professionals, corporates, and NGOs are crucial. This growth presents opportunities for innovative startups and companies focusing on scalable, AI-driven solutions.

#AIinEducation #EdTech #Learning #FutureOfEducation

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