In the past year, many new artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies have been introduced to the education sector. These tools aim to personalize students’ learning experiences and assist teachers in supporting them. Parents have started to recognize the potential impact of AI on their children’s education and are showing a growing interest in seeing this technology implemented in classrooms.
A recent survey conducted by Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, titled “Future-Proofing Education: How AI is Shaping Learning for Gen Alpha & Gen Z,” revealed that 88% of parents believe that knowledge of AI will be crucial for their children’s future education and careers. Despite this belief, the survey also found that 81% of parents either do not believe or are unsure if AI is currently a part of their children’s curriculum. This indicates a significant gap between parents’ aspirations for increased AI education and the actual integration of AI knowledge in schools.
The survey, which involved over 1,000 US parents of Gen Alpha and Gen Z students, emphasized the urgent need to enhance student education and teacher training in AI. Ann Woo, head of corporate citizenship for Samsung North America, highlighted the importance of closing the AI knowledge gap in education by equipping students, educators, and parents with the necessary tools and information to navigate the impact of AI technology.
Parents expressed the importance of providing teachers with additional training on how to incorporate AI tools into the classroom. 84% of parents believe it is important to offer teachers this extra training. Furthermore, the survey revealed that 69% of parents are optimistic about AI’s potential to enhance student learning by aiding in content creation, 72% see AI as a valuable resource for answering students’ questions, and 70% envision AI being used to simulate real-world scenarios in the classroom.
Despite these positive views, only 19% of parents reported that AI is currently being used in their child’s curriculum. Among this group, 40% are unsure about how AI is being utilized, and 41% stated that AI is not being used at all. To address these disparities in AI access and ensure that the next generation can responsibly and effectively utilize AI technology, it is crucial for all stakeholders in children’s education to be well-informed about AI integration in learning environments.
In conclusion, the survey findings underscore the growing importance of AI in education and the need for increased awareness and training for both educators and parents. By equipping students with the skills to navigate AI technology, we can ensure that they are prepared for the future workforce and can leverage AI tools effectively in their academic and professional pursuits.
