CRANE RESEARCH FORUM RECAP – The Double-Edged Sword of AI Use: Implications for Early Childhood Education
October 2024
With the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) use, it is important to examine how AI intersects with early child care and education. In this session, Dr. Jennifer Chen explored both the positive and negative aspects of utilizing AI for teaching and children’s learning. She focused on appropriate, responsible, and ethical use of AI while also recognizing concerns about mis- and over-use. Dr. Chen also discussed the potential implications of AI for early childhood education, including promoting equitable access to AI for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
RESOURCES
Check out Dr. Chen’s research on AI’s potential to enhance early childhood assessments. AI-driven tools can offer personalized, real-time insights into a child’s development and reduce administrative burden on teachers. However, there are concerns about ethical use of data and the risk of relying too heavily on automated systems.
Citation
Chen, J. J., & Perez, C. (2023). Enhancing assessment and personalized learning through artificial intelligence. Childhood Education, 99(6), 72-79. https://doi.org/10.1080/00094056.2023.2282903
Read Dr. Chen’s research on how while AI offers the promise of personalized learning and broader access to educational tools, it also raises concerns over misuse. The authors suggest adoption of POWER principles — purposeful, optimal, wise, ethical, and responsible — to maximize AI benefits while mitigating risks. They also advocate for integrating these principles into AI literacy efforts to foster responsible use of technology among young learners.
Citation
Chen, J. J., & Lin, J. C. (2024). The double-edged sword of artificial intelligence: Wielding the POWER principles to maximize its positive effects and minimize its negative effects. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, 25(1) 146–153. https://doi.org/10.1177/14639491231169813