A new survey looks at artificial intelligence in schools.
Fact checked by Sarah Scott Fact checked by Sarah Scott Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent in society. From ChatGPT and facial recognition to virtual assistants, chatbots, and autonomous vehicles, AI tools are frequently used in everyday life. Because of this, many parents recognize that their kids need to know more about these popular tools, including how they are made and how they might leverage them in their future careers.
Not surprisingly, a survey commissioned by Samsung Solve for Tomorrow found that 88% of parents believe knowledge of AI will be crucial in their child's future education and career, but equally as many doubt (or don’t know) if AI is part of the curriculum.
"That’s a real disconnect," says Allison Stransky , Chief Marketing Officer for Samsung Electronics America. "It underscores the urgent need to address the looming AI knowledge gap in schools—for both students and teachers—to raise parental awareness and increase their involvement in AI conversations, and push for stronger AI integration in American primary and secondary education."
The Basics of AI
AI, which has been around since the 1950s, is the idea that a machine can perform a task that previously required human intelligence. Over the years, the definition has evolved as technological advancements have been made.
"People need to know some fundamental truths about all forms of AI," says Curby Alexander, PhD , a professor of professional practice at the TCU College of Education.
This statistical model is built by humans and trained using millions of data records. Consequently, the data going in and out of the AI application can be flawed, corrupted, biased, inaccurate, and incomplete, Dr. Alexander says. "We must use our judgment to determine the integrity and usefulness of AI-generated information."
How Kids May Be Impacted by the Future of AI
Gen Z and Gen Alpha need to understand AI's applications in data analysis, personalized learning, automated decision-making, and creative processes, says Lynn Rogoff, MFA , adjunct associate professor at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) and founder of Amerikids Productions. They also should learn how AI can enhance human capabilities rather than replace them.
More specifically, Gen Z and Gen Alpha will need to understand AI applications in areas like personalized learning, health care, sustainability, and ethical AI usage, says Stransky. "The Gen Z and Gen Alpha kids in school today are the ones who will create the future uses of AI," adds Stransky. "It's their world to invent."
As for future applications and jobs, Rogoff says AI will be present across all industries. "Jobs in data science, AI engineering, ethical AI development, and AI-assisted creative fields will be in high demand," she says. "Even traditional roles will require understanding how to work alongside AI tools."
One team of experts estimates that in advanced economies like the U.S., 60% of jobs in the future may be impacted by AI. Of those jobs, roughly half may benefit from AI integration by improving productivity. For the other half, AI applications may perform key tasks currently done by people. For this reason, they stress the importance of using AI to complement and enhance what people are doing.
"The Gen Z and Gen Alpha kids in school today are the ones who will create the future uses of AI."
Allison Stransky of Samsung Electronics America
Embracing AI in the Classroom
According to Stransky, the survey revealed the need to educate students more on what AI truly is— how it’s more than a chatbot or a writing, research, or design tool. Instead, they need to learn how generative AI works and how they can use it now and in the future.
Rogoff says some additional things students should be learning include:
- Basics of AI algorithms
- Machine learning
- Neural networks
- AI ethics
- Bias in AI
- Societal implications of AI technologies
- Critical thinking skills to evaluate AI-generated information
Dr. Alexander stresses students should become aware of how AI can help them.
"They also need to know what AI does well, like providing brainstorming lists, creating outlines, and summarizing information," explains Dr. Alexander. "This will help students become more efficient in tasks that may take time away from other learning tasks that are more impactful, like learning to work in a group with other people, budgeting time for a project, or listening to viewpoints different than their own."
Students also need to use AI as a support and not a replacement for human cognition and reasoning, he adds. "AI is a great wingman but it's a terrible driver."
Challenges of AI in Education
Most parents know that while AI is a remarkable tool that is changing the world, it also is not perfect—and can be used in unethical ways. AI also could change human interactions and even become a crutch for some people.
"AI also is not bias-free," says Dr. Alexander. "The models that enable AI to work are built on complex data architecture, but they still end up resembling their creator and have the potential to make associations between data that may not have been intended."
Not surprisingly, about 70% of parents believe clear guidelines are needed for AI in education. And, 84% stress the importance of teaching AI ethics alongside technical skills.
"Most parents (69%) are hopeful about AI's potential to enhance education and learning," says Stransky. "But while they're excited about the benefits, they also see the challenges that come with using AI in schools."
How Are Students Using AI?
A recent report from Common Sense Media indicates that while young people grasp the potential of generative AI platforms, they may not fully understand the pitfalls. They say this underscores the need for parents to talk with teens about AI.
For instance, teens use generative AI most often for homework help (53%). They also use it to help with school assignments, and 46% of them report doing so without the teacher's permission. They also use it to combat boredom (42%) and to translate something from one language to another (41%). They may even use AI to create content as a joke, plan activities, and seek health advice.
"It's important to probe your children on how exactly AI is helping them," says Arman Jaffer , a GenAI education expert and Founder/CEO of Brisk Teaching, an AI-powered Chrome extension. "One thing educators and parents have noticed is that AI can be the best for learning when it centers the learning process and not the output."
Rather than asking ChatGPT for an answer or to write an entire essay, he says, it can be more effective if it's used to brainstorm, get feedback, or for help studying. But it would be best to talk to your kids about these uses.
"As technology and AI become more integrated into the classroom, it is fundamental to make sure students are being properly educated on AI so they are prepared for a world where it is integrated into everything they do," adds Leticia Barr , a former computer science teacher and founder of TechSavvyMama. "Knowing how AI is present in their lives, the way it works, and how to best leverage AI tools for educational benefit is more important than banning it."
"Knowing how AI is present in their lives, the way it works, and how to best leverage AI tools for educational benefit is more important than banning it."
Leticia Barr of TechSavvyMama
What To Do if Your Child’s School Isn’t Teaching AI
The best thing parents can do is check in with their children—be active participants in the learning process, says Dr. Alexander. "We will never be able to outpace computer programmers and AI, but we can do our part to stay engaged in our children’s learning and support the difficult work teachers do every day."
And if a school isn't providing AI-specific information, you can try finding out why and advocating for change. You can also supplement your child's education with other resources. Some options include online courses, coding platforms, Coursera, edX, Khan Academy, and STEM-based social impact programs like Samsung Solve for Tomorrow.
"Parents also can support their children by encouraging their curiosity, helping them find resources, and staying informed about AI’s role in education," says Stansky.
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