Thoughts on AI Education for Kids: Considering Creating a Learning Resource

[Ninja11]

Hi Mumsnet community,

As if parenting in this tech-driven era wasn't hard enough with screens, social media, and the Internet, along comes AI. I've been thinking a lot about what role it will play in our children's lives and education and how we could keep them ahead of the curve, but without some of the downsides. With AI's growing influence, it seems essential for our kids to have some understanding of this technology.

I'm actually considering helping to develop a resource or program to help teach children about AI - both the advantages of using it as well as the resposibilities and challenges.

I'd really value your input on:

• Do you think that AI will reshape the jobmarket and other spheres of our lives in the future?
• Do you think the current education system is capable of teaching our children how to use AI tools and other online systems?
• How do you feel about integrating AI into our children's learning curriculum? E.g. as a tutor, with the caveats of misinformation and "hallucinations" with current technologies like ChatGPT.
• What specific concerns do you have about teaching AI to kids e.g. like how it might affect their social skills, privacy issues, or job prospects in the future?
• Or do you see AI knowledge as an essential skill for the next generation?
• Have your children shown any interest in learning about AI, and if so, how have you addressed this?

Your perspectives and experiences could be incredibly helpful to me in shaping this idea into something that truly benefits our children and addresses our concerns as parents. I'm eager to hear your thoughts and stories on this topic.

Thanks so much for sharing your insights! I know there's a lot of strong feelings about AI even though things are changing so quickly, so please don't get mad at me!

Hello,

I completely understand your concerns about AI's role in our children's lives and education. It's an important and evolving topic.

Regarding your questions:

1. AI's influence on the job market and various aspects of our lives is undeniable. It's likely to reshape many industries, creating new opportunities and challenges.
2. The current education system might need to adapt to incorporate AI tools and online systems effectively. It's crucial to prepare our children for the digital age.
3. Integrating AI into the curriculum can be beneficial but should be done thoughtfully, considering the potential for misinformation and other ethical concerns associated with AI tools like ChatGPT.
4. Teaching AI to kids should include discussions about its impact on social skills, privacy, and future job prospects. These concerns are valid and should be addressed.
5. AI knowledge is increasingly becoming an essential skill for the next generation, as it will be an integral part of their lives.
6. Some children may show interest in AI naturally. You can encourage this by providing resources like "Smodin - Math AI Solver" and guiding them through age-appropriate AI-related activities.

Your initiative to develop a resource or program to teach children about AI is commendable. It's essential to strike a balance between harnessing the benefits of AI and ensuring our children are aware of its challenges and ethical considerations.

Thank you for seeking our perspectives, and we appreciate your efforts in addressing this important aspect of parenting in today's tech-driven world.

1. Yes, obviously (!)
2. I highly doubt it, and given the pace of development I expect this to continue to be the case, as even at the moment any teaching resources are practically out of date as soon as they’re produced
3. Absolutely. People are far too trusting of it in general (ask chat gpt to tell you where the “e” letters are positioned in the word “engineering”)
4. Generally Children seeing it as a pathway to extreme laziness, or not seeing the value in learning for themselves, as a goal in itself
5. Essential
6. Not really in a “How it works” Way as they’re too young, but image generation etc has been played with

Really interesting idea OP. The pace of development is extraordinary at the moment.

Thank you @Habika and @Zapx, sounds like we feel similarly on the topic. If you have any further suggestions or recommendations please do let me know.

I’m also interested to hear from anyone who might disagree or have concerns/critiques.