How children learn to use artificial intelligence

In an increasingly digitalized world, the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) is growing all the time. From voice assistants such as Siri and Alexa to self-driving cars and personalized recommendations on streaming platforms - AI is already influencing many areas of our everyday lives.

But why is it so important for children to learn how to use artificial intelligence? Children should learn how to use artificial intelligence at an early age so that they know how to use this technology. At the same time, they should understand what the limits are. At Code Camp , we want to introduce them to these topics in an age-appropriate and exciting way.

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Why should children learn how to use AI?

Understanding AI not only offers children an insight into one of the most exciting and forward-looking technologies of our time, but also promotes important skills such as problem solving, creativity and especially critical thinking. Much like programming itself.

What happens in the background with AI? How do I write a query? How do I question the result? Anyone can chat with ChatGPT, but getting the most out of working with AI is not that easy.

But digital education is much more than just that. By working with AI, children also learn the basics of computer science and mathematics, which will be in demand in many future professions. Children who learn how to use AI at an early age are better prepared for the demands of the digital future and can play an active role in shaping it.

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The AI camp - how children learn how to use artificial intelligence

AI camps offer an excellent opportunity to introduce children to the world of artificial intelligence in an intensive yet entertaining setting. It is important to us that children can experience the latest technologies in a playful way. That is why we have launched the new AI camp at Code Camp .

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An adventure into the world of artificial intelligence

At Code Camp 's AI Camp, children experience an exciting educational journey developed in collaboration with AI experts. From demystifying AI myths to hands-on experiences with cutting-edge applications, this program is designed to inspire, educate and excite young minds. Participants will dive into generative AI and computer vision and explore concepts to understand how AI works, how it is used in today's world and what it could look like in the future. Children will have fun experimenting with AI, for example creating a comic strip and using online tools to put this technology to the test.

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What actually happens at the AI camp?

Day 1: Discovery of AI

On the first day, the children deal with basic questions such as "What is AI?", "How is it being used to help society?" and "Is it something to be excited or worried about?". You will learn about important concepts that drive artificial intelligence, such as computational thinking and the distinction between structured and unstructured data. They will also be shown how AI is used to solve real-world problems, for example in the fields of self-driving cars, robotics, security and medicine.

Day 2: Harnessing the power of AI

The second and final day of the camp will focus on generative AI. The kids will discover tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E 3 and how they can generate images, voices, music, art and more. They will explore cutting-edge robots controlled by AI and develop their own AI applications to solve real-world problems. They will also try out cool tools from Google and Microsoft and create their own AI comic strip.

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What are the benefits for a child of learning how to use AI?

Children are the future, but it needs to be discovered

Today's professional world is changing, and many of the professions that will be in demand in the future do not even exist today. AI will play a central role in this, whether in medicine, engineering or the creative industries. By learning how AI works and how it can be used, children will be better equipped to navigate this rapidly changing world and develop innovative solutions to future challenges.

Solving problems can be learned

Dealing with AI requires and promotes analytical thinking. Children learn to analyze complex problems, interpret data and draw logical conclusions. These skills are not only important for working with AI, but also for many other areas of life. Critical thinking helps children to question information and make informed decisions, which is invaluable in our information society.

How does AI encourage children's creativity?

AI can also be a tool for promoting creativity. Children can use AI to implement creative projects, such as creating music, art or stories. This interdisciplinary application of AI technology encourages children to think in new ways and find innovative solutions. They learn that technology is not only functional, but can also be creative and inspiring. However, this should not only be done in theory, but should also be combined with experimentation.

Why is it important for children to understand the ethical aspects of AI?

Another important aspect is the understanding of ethics and responsibility in dealing with AI, which should not be underestimated. Children learn that the development and use of AI technologies raises ethical issues such as data protection, bias and the impact on the labor market.

By addressing these issues, they develop an awareness of the social and moral implications of technology and become responsible users and developers of AI.

Artificial intelligence is also math, computer science or art

Dealing with AI combines various disciplines such as mathematics, computer science, linguistics and art. This promotes a comprehensive understanding of education and shows children how different areas of knowledge are interlinked. Interdisciplinary learning deepens understanding and arouses curiosity to explore new areas of knowledge.

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Getting started from home: books for children

Would you like to look at the topic with your child before the camp? There are now many books and media that explain the topic of AI in a child-friendly way. These resources can spark children's interest and help them understand the complex concepts in a simple way.

One recommended book is 'What is Artificial Intelligence? - Where we encounter it in everyday life and how it works' by Angelika Zahn. This illustrated non-fiction book is a great introduction to the topic.

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‍KI-whatdoes that mean?

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the ability of computers and machines to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. This includes recognizing language, making decisions, translating languages and recognizing schemas. AI uses algorithms and large amounts of data to recognize patterns and learn from them without being explicitly programmed. A well-known example of AI is the voice assistant Siri, which responds to questions and executes commands.

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