Artificial intelligence should be introduced to children from preschool

As I have mentioned in many of my writings, artificial intelligence has moved from being an element of science fiction films to becoming a reality that permeates every aspect of our lives. This transformation is reshaping many sectors, from business and healthcare to the arts and engineering, and one of its most critical impacts is on education.

Traditional education systems aim to teach the same curriculum to every child using the same methods. But every child has a unique learning style. Some children learn faster through visual means, while others grasp concepts better through listening or hands-on experience. This is where artificial intelligence can come in.

Today, the extent to which children educated in traditional education systems are prepared for the future is being questioned. In the age of artificial intelligence, simply memorizing information is no longer enough. It is crucial to know how to use AI correctly, analyze it effectively and develop it creatively. This is why children need to be introduced to AI from pre-school. The US company Preschools Near Me, for example, uses AI to help parents find the best preschool for their children. Thanks to this company, parents can use artificial intelligence to choose the best preschools in Los Angeles or other US cities.

AI-powered educational tools can analyze each student’s learning pace and style, providing them with a personalized learning experience. For example, AI-powered math programs developed by Carnegie Learning assess students’ problem-solving skills and provide customized exercises tailored to their individual needs.

Another key benefit of AI is its ability to help children develop problem-solving, creative thinking and critical analysis skills. Platforms such as Scratch, Code.org and Google’s CS First teach coding and algorithmic thinking to children in an engaging way. Today’s children should not be passive users of artificial intelligence, but designers, developers and leaders of this technology.

Many countries and companies are investing heavily in integrating AI into education. Significant progress has been made in Israel, the US, Europe and China.

As one of the world’s most innovative countries in AI and technology, Israel is making serious efforts to integrate AI into its education system. Institutions such as the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem are among the pioneers developing AI programs for children and young people. One of Israel’s most notable educational initiatives is undoubtedly the AI for Kids program. This program aims to equip children with basic knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics, while enhancing their analytical thinking skills. In addition, Israeli companies such as OrCam are developing AI-based educational tools to help children with learning difficulties.

Similarly, China has been an early adopter of AI in its education system, as outlined in its 2017 plan. Companies like SenseTime and Squirrel AI have developed AI-based platforms that analyze student performance and provide personalized educational support.

In the US, tech giants such as Google, Microsoft and Amazon are making significant investments to integrate AI into the education system. IBM Watson Education offers personalized learning experiences by identifying students’ challenges and providing tailored guidance. Meanwhile, platforms such as Google AI Experiments allow children to interactively experiment with artificial intelligence.

In Europe, countries such as Finland, Germany and the UK have begun to integrate AI-based educational programs into school curricula. Finland’s Elements of AI program, for example, provides free education to children and young people to help them understand and develop AI technologies.

Given these promising examples, it is undeniable that artificial intelligence is making a positive contribution to children’s development. But it is equally important to ensure that this technology is used responsibly. Children need not only to learn how to use AI, but also to understand its ethical implications. For example, the AI Ethics for Kids program developed by the University of Montreal aims to teach children about the ethical responsibilities of artificial intelligence. Similarly, Google’s Be Internet Awesome program teaches children about digital citizenship and safe internet use. In Israel, the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation invests in projects that support the ethical development of children and young people in AI and technology.

In conclusion, integrating artificial intelligence into our education system is crucial to preparing our children for the future. In an innovation-driven country like Israel, ensuring that children are exposed to AI from an early age will enable them to become strong competitors in the global arena. If we want to raise generations that can not only use AI, but also develop, design and ethically manage it, AI education must become an indispensable necessity, starting from preschool.