It is hard to imagine life before AI. AI is everywhere and integrated into all aspects of our lives, more than we may even realize, from how we work and communicate to how we problem-solve.
As part of the modern education system, AI is a beneficial tool and partner in learning. AI doesn’t have to take away from learning; instead, it can be used to promote critical thinking and analytical skills. Skills we want our learners to become proficient in. When used intentionally, AI can enhance critical thinking by building and fostering curiosity and confidence in your learners’ abilities.
What is AI?
AI, or artificial intelligence, is a machine’s ability to perform tasks that typically require human thinking. These tasks can include understanding language, solving problems, and recognizing patterns. Put in another way, AI involves computer systems that are trained to think and learn like humans, but often faster and with access to far more information.
How Does AI Support Learners?
AI offers a powerful opportunity to personalize and enrich the learning experience. It transforms screen time into an interactive and purposeful experience tailored to the learner’s needs and interests. While AI can be viewed as just a shortcut, when used thoughtfully, it can serve as a valuable learning partner, turning technology into a tool that builds confidence and supports real growth.
AI can assist with a wide variety of topics and question types, and can be used to go beyond simply providing quick answers. Purposeful AI use encourages curiosity, supports critical thinking, and helps learners become more independent and engaged in their learning.
Where Do I Start?
A great place to start is to gain familiarity with common AI tools. These tools include ChatGPT, Grammarly, and Gemini. These tools are easy to use, many offer free versions to get started, and allow for a low-stress way to begin exploring how AI works.
How Can I Use These Tools To Support My Learner?
Here are a few simple and effective ways to use AI tools to support your child’s learning:
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Ask general or everyday questions
Use AI to explore curiosities together by asking anything from “Why does a dog stick out its tongue?” to “What is a healthy dinner meal for tonight?” -
Get step-by-step help solving problems
Whether it’s math, writing, or science, AI can break down a problem into manageable steps. AI can even provide guided explanations with these steps, which is a great learning tool that can reduce frustration. -
Use AI as a brainstorming tool
If your learner needs help getting started on a writing assignment, ask AI for prompts or ideas about main characters, settings, or popular topics. -
Edit and improve writing
AI can review writing for grammar, clarity, tone, and even suggest edits based on the intended audience. -
Create practice problems
There is no longer a need to scroll online looking for worksheets or practice supports. Ask AI to generate extra questions or challenges in areas where your child needs more practice or wants an extra challenge. -
Define difficult vocabulary
AI can explain tricky words in child-friendly language and offer examples to reinforce understanding. This can be helpful for more complex topics. -
Guide the research process
If your learner is unsure how to begin researching a topic, AI can suggest questions to ask, keywords to use, or provide sample sources to explore.
Explore Know Yourself Academy
Know Yourself Academy courses introduce engaging topics designed to spark curiosity and deeper thinking. Once your learner builds a solid understanding, you can use AI tools together to ask new questions, dive deeper into subjects, and expand on what they’ve already discovered.
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