Tech: AI In Early Childhood Education Must Prioritise Human Connection, Say Advocates

Geneva, Switzerland – On International Day of Education, the Moving Minds Alliance (MMA) and the International Step by Step Association (ISSA) issued a joint call to action, urging a collaborative effort to harness the potential of artificial intelligence in early childhood education, particularly in humanitarian crises.

The organisations emphasised the importance of striking a balance between technological advancements and the irreplaceable value of human connections.

The statement emphasises the devastating impact of conflict and displacement on children worldwide, with over 473 million children – nearly 19% of the total child population – living in conflict zones.

Millions more have been displaced or are no longer attending school. In light of this crisis, the MMA and ISSA argue that AI-powered educational tools could be extremely beneficial, particularly in providing essential services and personalised learning experiences to children in remote areas.

AI-powered chatbots, for example, could provide invaluable educational assistance.

However, the statement warns about the potential drawbacks. Concerns were expressed about data privacy and the misuse of children’s information, emphasising the critical importance of strong ethical frameworks and responsible data handling.

Furthermore, the organisations cautioned against excessive screen time, citing studies linking it to negative effects on cognitive development in young children.

The core message emphasises the importance of preserving the human element in education.

The statement emphasises the importance of human connection in children’s emotional, psychological, and social development, especially in traumatic circumstances.

Positive interactions with caregivers and peers are vital for cognitive growth, language acquisition, and resilience building.

The MMA and ISSA are calling for a multi-stakeholder partnership involving governments, international organizations, NGOs, tech companies, and educational institutions to:

Develop and deploy accessible, inclusive, and culturally relevant AI-driven educational tools that prioritize human connection and encourage learning beyond screens.
Ensure reliable internet access and digital devices for all children to support AI initiatives.

Establish robust frameworks to protect children’s data privacy and security.
Provide training and resources for educators on effectively integrating AI tools into their teaching practices.
Implement continuous monitoring and evaluation to assess the impact of AI on children’s holistic development.

By working together, the organizations believe that AI can be a powerful tool for delivering quality education to children in humanitarian settings, helping them overcome adversity and build a brighter future.

The emphasis, however, remains on responsible innovation that prioritises the human element – a crucial ingredient for healthy development, especially for children facing immense challenges.