[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] <\/p>\n
Artificial intelligence (AI) is undoubtedly one of the biggest technological breakthroughs since the birth of the internet, and while AI has made giant strides in the last few years, experts say we are just getting started. To put it in perspective, we are at the same point with AI as we were with the internet when it first arrived in many of our homes in the 90s.<\/span><\/p>\n Over the last 30 years, we\u2019ve evolved alongside the internet, learning its capabilities, opportunities, and pitfalls – and now it\u2019s time to do the same with AI.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With <\/span>children as young as 7 already embracing AI<\/span><\/a>, many parents and teachers are concerned about the future of this technology, and whether or not dependence on AI could be detrimental to kids’ education and development.<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Artificial intelligence refers to technology that performs tasks where traditionally, a human brain is required. Algorithms, <\/span>machine learning<\/span><\/i> (where a computer builds its knowledge from massive amounts of data), and other techniques allow AI systems to recognize speech, produce content, make decisions, understand language, and even identify objects in images.<\/span><\/p>\n You could think of AI as a robot that you want to help you solve puzzles. You start by showing the robot lots of puzzles and it attempts to solve them with smart guesses. Just like how we get better at something the more experience we have, the robot starts guessing correctly more and more often until it can solve any puzzle you throw at it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, when people talk about AI in a homework sense, they\u2019re usually talking about the generative AI tool <\/span>ChatGPT<\/span><\/a>. After the platform launched in 2022, people from all walks of life were amazed at ChatGPT\u2019s ability to hold natural conversations, answer questions, and generate creative content – including jokes and songs!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]AI covers a collection of tools that can help students with their studies in an almost limitless number of ways. For example, one student might use ChatGPT<\/span> to write an entire essay, while another might use an AI voice-to-text conversion tool to review a lecture they missed because of illness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To give you an idea of its capabilities, school children could use AI to:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Shortly after ChatGPT was rolled out, some schools, including all those in <\/span>New York City<\/span><\/a>, banned its use due to concerns over cheating and its negative impact on student learning. However, these decisions were reversed once educators gained a better understanding of the technology. Today, many schools and educational institutes recognize the opportunities offered by AI tools and encourage their responsible use.<\/span><\/p>\n Although it may be allowed in schools in certain circumstances, many parents are cautious about their kids using AI for their studies and might have the following concerns.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Kids might become over-reliant on AI at the expense of their creativity and critical thinking skills<\/b><\/p>\n Homework is meant to help students develop skills, reinforce knowledge, and practice concepts. So if AI does too much of the work, there is the risk that children won\u2019t have to think for themselves and miss out on valuable learning opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n Although this is a valid concern, it\u2019s really about <\/span>how<\/span><\/i> AI is used rather than<\/span> if<\/span><\/i> it is used. With clearly defined rules around its use, AI can be used to foster creativity and practice critical thinking skills. For example, a creative writing student might use AI to generate an image or a writing prompt to spark imagination for a short story or poem.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Using AI is cheating<\/b><\/p>\n A student who uses an AI tool like ChatGPT to complete their homework could be considered a cheat, <\/span>depending on how they use it and their school\u2019s policies.<\/p>\n For example, if a student uses AI to generate an entire essay or answer questions, and then submits the work as their own without stating they\u2019ve used AI, that would be considered plagiarism.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Teachers set homework so that children can develop their understanding, critical thinking, problem-solving, and writing skills outside of class. <\/span>Excessive or irresponsible use of AI can destroy any chance of this happening.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why many educational institutes now explicitly distinguish what they consider responsible AI use and cheating.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n AI might provide wrong or misleading information<\/b><\/p>\n When talking about ChatGPT\u2019s limitations, its creators OpenAI admit that it “<\/span>sometimes writes plausible-sounding but incorrect or nonsensical answers<\/span><\/a>,\u201d which isn\u2019t exactly ideal for students who want to pass their classes!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n ChatGPT’s authoritative voice makes it sound like it knows what it\u2019s talking about, but it’s important to know where it gets its information. The AI chat tool <\/span>relies on data it was trained on and statistical predictions rather than reasoning or accessing real-time knowledge.<\/p>\n This means it can generate information that is:<\/span><\/p>\n While AI tools are undoubtedly getting more intuitive, students should always verify responses using a reliable source (you can ask ChatGPT to provide its sources!)<\/span><\/p>\n Kids use technology too much as it is – AI just adds to the screen time<\/b><\/p>\n Balancing <\/span>screen time with learning<\/span><\/a> is a hot topic in education and parenting – and with kids becoming more reliant on AI tools we could see time on devices go up.<\/span><\/p>\n But, as with other forms of technology, AI should be seen as a resource to be used in conjunction with books and other tech-free tools and materials. Some parents use a <\/span>parental control tool<\/span><\/a> like Qustodio to help their children develop a healthier relationship with AI and technology in general.<\/span><\/p>\n AI platforms will collect my child\u2019s personal information<\/b><\/p>\n To learn and improve, AI requires data – lots of data – and it sometimes gets it by tracking usage and collecting sensitive information the user has entered. This is particularly worrying for parents wanting to protect the privacy of their children online.<\/span><\/p>\n Most AI platforms understand these concerns and have measures in place to protect user data. For example, according to OpenAI\u2019s <\/span>privacy policy<\/span><\/a>, ChatGPT:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Whichever AI platform your child uses, we recommend reading its privacy policy to get a better understanding of what it does with your kid\u2019s data and to set your preferences.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Regardless of the side of the fence you stand on, there are two facts about AI: it\u2019s not going away, and it\u2019s only going to get better. Over the next few years, we\u2019ll see AI being integrated more and more into our daily lives – and although we are right to have concerns, the question we should be asking is <\/span>how can we encourage our kids to use AI responsibly?<\/b><\/p>\n To start you and your child on the right path, here are 5 healthy AI habits:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n 1. Use AI as a supplement, not a substitute<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n No matter what some folk say, AI has not, and cannot, replace old-fashioned brain power. So rather than asking for answers to homework problems, kids can use AI to better understand concepts before solving them themselves.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n 2. Ask better questions<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nWhat is AI?<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\u00a0How might kids use AI for homework?<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2024\/10\/22082147\/2024-10-TheAIdebateShouldKidsUseAIForHomeworkInsideImage.png” alt=”teenager using AI for homework” title_text=”2024-10-TheAIdebateShouldKidsUseAIForHomeworkInsideImage” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n<\/h2>\n
Why are parents concerned about kids using AI for homework?<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n
\n
Using AI for homework: 5 healthy AI habits<\/b><\/h2>\n