Spring in Bulgaria requires constant monitoring and adjustment. Sunny skies and high temperatures require us to pull out t-shirts and rake the yard, while hail and snow impact driving conditions and plans for Easter egg hunts. Weather has the potential to impact every area of our lives. The far-reaching effect of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is much like this unpredictable spring weather. From healthcare to education, transportation to social media, AI is impacting various aspects of society at an unprecedented rate. As such, we must proactively anticipate and prepare for AI’s influence on our children’s lives. It’s a responsibility akin to preparing for unpredictable weather patterns.

One exciting aspect of AI that is particularly relevant to education is Generative AI, such as Chat GPT. Like the weather, generative AI is both beautiful and powerful. With the ability to create human-like text, images, and audio, generative AI presents a plethora of learning opportunities for students and teachers. 

For instance, Generative AI can facilitate personalised learning experiences, where students engage with material at their own pace and level. AI can also provide customised support and resources to meet students’ unique needs. Furthermore, Generative AI can simulate real-life scenarios, enabling students to practice and apply their skills in a safe and controlled environment.

Despite the vast potential of AI, we must be cautious, just as we would with a sudden weather change. Parents must consider the impact of AI on their children’s lives and take steps to ensure their safety.

Parents should review the privacy policy of each AI product to understand what data is collected and how it is used. Additionally, we must provide education on online safety, emphasising secure passwords and discouraging sharing personal information or clicking on suspicious links. Finally, monitoring a child’s AI usage is equally important, as it can help ensure they’re not disclosing sensitive information or engaging in inappropriate or harmful behaviour.  

Ensuring the responsible and safe use of AI products, such as Chat GPT, is paramount for parents. Age restrictions are in place for a good reason, and choosing age-appropriate AI products is critical. As we prepare for the transformational impact of AI on our children’s lives, we can embrace the boundless potential that AI offers for education. By taking the necessary precautions, we can confidently navigate this exciting and rapidly evolving technology.

Daniel Kilback , ICT Manager