What is AI?
How do we explain AI to kids?
* The following content was based on a draft by Perplexity (AI) and then reviewed and edited by Saicharan Ritwik Chinni and Shubhangi Gokhale.
Artificial Intelligence, or AI for short, refers to machines that can appear to think and learn like humans. Some of their learning processes are still a mystery.
AI systems can perform many tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing pictures, and
making certain decisions.
There are many ways to jumpstart conversations about AI. Based on the age and interest of the child, one can follow any of the approaches below.
* Use relatable examples: A favorite toy or game can help spark conversations about how AI responds to what we say or do to make a decision.
* Focus on everyday applications: Show them how AI is already a part of their lives, such as a part of their school apps, and in smart machines like phones, TVs and cars.
* Play-based learning: Engage them in games and activities that involve coding and programming.
* Story-telling and Role-playing: Use stories and pretend play to illustrate how AI works in various scenarios.
* Watch educational videos together: Select educational and entertaining media (explainer cartoons / documentaries / movies) about AI. Discuss issues raised by the videos as a group.
Related blogpost:
How to Talk to Children About AI: 7 Steps
