A parent's guide to artificial intelligence

Since we started on this journey into understanding AI just a few months ago, we’ve been surprised and encouraged at how artificial intelligence has been rising up the public agenda. 

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, AI has emerged as a transformative force, shaping our lives in ways both subtle and profound. 

As parents, we naturally seek to guide our children towards a fulfilling future, and understanding AI's implications is crucial for preparing them to thrive in this AI-driven world.

Unveiling the intelligence behind the machines

AI, often portrayed in science fiction, has seamlessly integrated into our daily routines. From the personalised recommendations on our streaming platforms to the sophisticated facial recognition systems at airports, AI is quietly influencing our lives. 

At its core, AI encompasses the ability of machines to simulate human intelligence by learning, adapting, and performing tasks that typically require human cognition.

Re-read our early newsletters, that provide a foundational understanding of AI.

AI's positive impact: revolutionising education

AI's potential to enhance our lives is immense.

In education, AI-based tutors are providing adaptive learning experiences, catering to each student's unique needs, learning styles and pace. 

It’s being used to analyse a student’s data to help them identify their individual strengths, weaknesses and learning styles and in doing so create personalised learning plans. 

AI-powered assessments can automatically adjust to the student's level of understanding, providing more challenging questions for students who are performing well and easier questions for students who are struggling. 

AI is also being used to develop interactive games and educational apps that can teach young children early literacy and numeracy skills.

And it’s being used to provide personalised instructions and support for students with special needs.

Addressing AI's Potential Concerns: Fostering Open Dialogue and Responsible Use

While AI offers a multitude of benefits, it also raises concerns about potential biases, privacy implications and job displacement - all issues that have become familiar in discussions about AI in society. 

It's essential to engage our children in open and honest conversations about these issues, fostering critical thinking and enabling them to become responsible AI users.

Empowering kids with AI: tools for growth, creativity and innovation

AI is not just a tool for adults. It can also empower our children to learn, explore and create. Numerous AI-powered tools are designed specifically for kids, nurturing their creativity, problem-solving skills and coding proficiency:

• Sarah, a tech-savvy mum from London, incorporates AI-powered flashcards into her son's learning routine. She's amazed at how quickly he's grasping new vocabulary and concepts, attributing it to the interactive and engaging nature of the AI-based tools.

• David, a primary school teacher in Manchester, seamlessly integrates AI-based games into his science lessons, transforming learning from a passive experience to an active and engaging one. He's observed a surge in student participation and enthusiasm, leading to improved comprehension and retention of scientific concepts.

In fact there are many AI-powered educational tools that are being developed and used in the UK including:

• Twinkl: a UK-based company that develops a wide range of AI-powered educational resources, including interactive games, worksheets, and assessments.

• Century Tech: Century Tech is a UK-based company that uses AI to provide personalised learning plans for students in grades 7-11.

• Text Help: is a UK-based company that develops AI-powered tools to support students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

• Abacus Education: Abacus Education is a UK-based company that uses AI to provide personalised literacy and numeracy instruction for students in primary school.

• Oxford University Press: Oxford University Press is a UK-based publisher that has developed a number of AI-powered educational tools, including the Oxford Owl for Schools literacy platform and the Oxford Smart Teacher online teaching platform.

AI is not just a passing trend: it's a transformative force that's shaping our future. By engaging our children in conversations about AI, empowering them with AI-powered tools, and addressing potential concerns, we can help them navigate this AI-driven world with confidence and responsibility.

Want some ideas about what to do next? Try:

• starting a conversation with your children about AI. Ask them what they know about AI and what they think about its potential benefits and risks.

• exploring AI-powered educational tools and resources. There are many great options available (some mentioned above), so take some time to find ones that are a good fit for your children's ages and interests.

• encouraging your children to be critical thinkers about AI. Help them to develop the skills they need to evaluate AI technologies and make informed decisions about how to use them.

• keeping up-to-date on the latest developments in AI. Read articles, watch videos, and attend events to learn more about this rapidly evolving field. We’ll do our best each week to make sure you’re in the know.

• getting involved in the conversation about AI. Share your thoughts and ideas with others, and help to shape the future of AI in education. Try leaving a comment below.

We’re planning to focus again on this subject over the next few editions. Let us know if there are things in the education space that you’re worried about or want us to explore. 

Until next week …..

Warren and Mark
Your curators of AI knowledge