Thoughts On Children and AI Learning

There are studies currently regarding the use of AI by kids in an educational setting. There is understandable concern that children will ask a question and when they get an answer will move on without true comprehension.

That same issue exists for college students who use the tech to give them answers to avoid doing the work themselves which means they are depriving themselves of the ability to use critical thinking.

Anyone who grew up without this tech knows critical thinking is important to allow us to make decisions that are information based and obtained through many sources in order to get the most accurate data possible.

But a whole generation brought up totally with a digital understanding is fighting the idea of obtaining the facts and settling for an answer given by AI. They accept the conclusion as accurate even without that critical thinking.

Think about how this could alter the lives of our kids making them vulnerable to thoughts and ideas that are not even true and that could be harmful. It is the same thing as watching videos and then being pushed by an algorithm for the next viewing based on the flimsy fact of the last thing watched.

How many people will miss out on alternative perspectives and will be subject to manipulation? Now their minds are no longer capable of free form thinking and being able to perceive the best options for themselves.

Where I see AI as being effective is with the supervisory actions of learning institutions towards helping individuals who need extra time to understand certain aspects. Lesson plans would be introduced with the help of AI to ensure absorption of a concept.

But in young minds, the perception that self achievement is rewarding in itself and learning is about finding answers from many sources has to be passed on through leaders in education so that people find value in their own human understanding.