EDCET LTD - Blog

How AI Can Boost Your Child's Learning by 98% Above Their Peers

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:35:35 +0300

What is AI?

A time ago people had created simple machines to make work easier such as wheels and pulley levers, but these machines didn't think, they only helped them do physical tasks effectively. Later on computers were invented where they could process information and follow instructions written by people, but still they could not think on their own for they only did what they were instructed. Scientists then started to develop a way that computers could analyze data, recognize patterns and make decisions without the need for step to step instructions for every task, and that is when they came up with Artificial intelligence{AI}. Artificial Intelligence (AI) therefore refers to the capability of machines to perform tasks that require human abilities and understanding.

Some common examples of AI that are part of everyday life are when social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and YouTube utilize utilize AI algorithms to make the user's experience more personalized and engaging. Other examples include the Google assistants, facial recognition commonly used in smartphones and chatbots like ChatGPT that uses natural language processing to create humanlike conversational dialogue. We also have AI chatbot assistant like Zuri from Safaricom for customer service interactions where it helps customers in addressing various concerns like subscribing and unsubscribing from chargeable SMS services.

How do children interact with AI?

Considering the above examples and the continuous advancements in technology, it is evident that AI has become a powerful presence in various facets of our society, including children’s lives. Children today interact with AI knowingly or unknowingly, and we cannot deny them the opportunity of accessing it. A report by common sense media indicates that 70% of teens (ages 13–18) have used generative AI tools. AI-supported search engines and chatbots are the most commonly used tools. However, Only 37% of parents whose teen has used AI are aware of it. Other different ways that kids interact with AI is through Google assistants where they can ask questions like “Hey google, how is the weather today?”, through YouTube AI enabled algorithm that recommends videos depending on users interests and facial recognition where they scan their face to unlock the smartphone.

What are the risks of AI to children?

Since children interact with AI, there are also risks that come with it, particularly in the absence of proper oversight. For instance, with YouTube AI algorithm, if a parent allows their child to access the platform without creating a child’s account, they risk exposing them to inappropriate content. Privacy concerns also arise as AI collects large amounts of data, exposing children to security threats. Additionally, AI can cause biases and stereotypes based on the information it learns, influencing children's perceptions. Cyberbullying and fraud are also major dangers, as AI can generate manipulated images, videos, or fake profiles that may be used maliciously. This was witnessed recently in Kenya during the anti-govt protests. How many people were able to detect that some of the images circulating through social media were AI generated?

This indicates that without proper guidance, children are vulnerable to these risks, highlighting the need for responsible AI use and monitoring. But why should we bother to ensure children are using AI responsibly. Why not keep it from them completely until they are adults?

It is very clear that keeping children from using AI is practically impossible and not beneficial. Consequently, as AI becomes more integrated into everyday experiences, it is crucial for parents to understand the undeniable benefits of AI to children.

Raising Future-Ready Kids: How AI Can Be a Powerful Tool

Nothing brings more relief to a parent than seeing their child thrive. However, success doesn’t happen by chance—it requires intentional preparation for the future. AI is proving to be a powerful tool in equipping children with the skills they need to succeed. Here are the benefits of AI that are key in shaping the future of children:

Personalized learning

In 1984, a professor {prof Benjamin Bloom} did research in the University of Chicago and discovered that learners who receive personalized instruction outperformed those in traditional classrooms. For example, an average learner with personalized learning surpassed 98% of their peers in the classroom. However, this was limited to only a few who could afford to pay tutors or only the brightest who attracted mentors.

AI is now emerging as a game changer because it is capable of scaling personalized learning to any learner. Studies suggest AI-driven personalized learning can improve student performance by up to 30% through tailored content and adaptive learning strategies. The traditional classroom has been treated as a one size fits all approach, although every child is unique in terms of understanding, grasping concepts, individual interests and specific strengths.

With AI, a moulded form of education can be created whereby it analyzes a child’s interaction with content and identifies areas of strengths and those that require attention. AI learning platforms evolve with the child where the lessons shift to individual needs and the learning curves to fit the individual’s pace and level of understanding. AI personalized learning makes each lesson engaging and tailored to the child's needs, and therefore this transforms reluctant learners into enthusiastic ones, fostering a love for education and boosting their confidence in their abilities. Through implementing AI-powered learning platforms, it is possible to track student progress, personalize lessons, and ensure every child learns at their own pace, maximizing engagement and outcomes.

Encourages creativity

AI does not make education obsolete or encourage laziness, as people think. On the contrary, it improves the child’s potential when used well. According to research, learners who engage with AI-assisted creative tools show over 30% increase in idea fluency and the ability to generate multiple unique ideas compared to those using traditional methods. AI tools like LensGo.ai inspire kids to open their imaginations by coming up with artwork. Through using these tools, Children improve their creativity by turning their own unclear and limitless ideas into something presentable.

With AI, creativity is enhanced through interacting with technology, therefore, simulating a partner that can match with their interests. AI helps children articulate abstract thoughts into structured expressions, fostering both creativity and communication skills. By integrating these tools into learning, educators and parents can nurture critical thinking, artistic expression, and digital literacy, preparing children for a future where human-AI collaboration is essential. It is important that we encourage children to use AI-powered creativity tools like LensGo.ai and DALL-E in classrooms and at home to nurture their creativity.

Teaches important skills

Soft skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking are defining characteristics to children that AI can't replace. According to the World Economic Forum, about 65% of children entering primary school today will work in jobs that currently do not exist, making these human-centered skills essential for future success.

AI-powered educational tools, such as Khanmigo are good at developing such skills. For instance, Khanmigo AI tutor asks thought-provoking questions, requiring learners to justify their reasoning instead of providing direct answers. Additionally, it engages with learners through a step-by-step guidance to solving problems instead of providing direct solutions.

The best way to ensure children acquire key skills is by encouraging the integration of such AI-driven learning tools in schools and at home to foster essential 21st-century skills. Encouraging hands-on engagement with AI-powered platforms can foster critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities among learners, leaving them prepared to handle challenges and take on opportunities in the future.

Makes learning more accessible

Every child deserves education, as unique as they are. An estimated 240 million children worldwide have disabilities, and many of them face significant barriers to education due to a lack of resources, trained teachers, and inclusive learning materials. Traditional education systems have often been inaccessible due to physical, sensory, and cognitive limitations, making it difficult for these learners to participate fully in classrooms.

Through AI, it is possible to break down learning barriers, especially to those with disabilities. AI-powered assistive technologies, such as text-to-speech (TTS) converts written information into audio to help those who struggle with reading. Additionally, many AI tutors come with multilingual capabilities, helping learners who struggle with English or need learning materials in their native languages.

Encouraging interest in STEM related fields

STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics] are essential and lucrative fields within society today. However, many learners are not getting into these fields due to the gaps in teaching methodologies. The traditional methodologies are more focused on memorization, lacking practicals that are more crucial to understanding STEM. However, with the coming of AI, this is about to change for good.

Did you know when learners engage in experiential learning, reasoning development is boosted? A report by the U.S. Department of Education found that learners using AI-powered virtual labs show a 35% improvement in understanding STEM concepts compared to traditional learning methods, beacuse interactive simulations enhance engagement and retention.

Real transformation happens outside the traditional classroom, where knowledgeable education is developed through interest driven exploration and practicals. A key advantage is that this does not happen through memorization but true understanding where real world application is developed. Instead of the difficult equations and hard scientific concepts taught in the traditional classroom, children can experience real life concepts of STEM through interacting with AI. For example, through virtual labs where learners can perform experiments on physics, biology and chemistry. Such hands-on experience encourages curiosity and interest in the various STEM fields. The end results of using AI platforms makes the complex concept of STEM relatable and understandable.

If AI-driven virtual labs and simulations are integrated into STEM education, learners can have hands-on, interactive learning experiences. Schools and educators should adopt AI-based tools such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) platforms to make abstract STEM concepts more tangible and engaging. As a result, we will have more learners venturing into these STEM related fields, widening career options.

How can we ensure that children use AI responsibly?

Given the various benefits of AI to children, it is also essential for parents/guardians and other stakeholders to take an active role in ensuring that children are using AI responsibly. Here are some of the guidelines to help them use AI responsibly;

Engage in Conversations About AI: Initiate open discussions with children about AI—how they use it, what they know about it, and how it impacts their daily lives. By understanding their perspective, we can guide them in using AI more responsibly while fostering a healthy curiosity about its role in the society.
Teach Privacy Management: Help children understand how to manage their privacy online. Discuss how to control cookies, block unwanted ads, and limit the sharing of personal information on social media. Encourage them to be cautious with the data they share and to understand how it may be used or sold.
Experience AI Together: Spend time exploring AI tools alongside children, such as voice assistants or AI-powered chatbots such as ChatGPT. This will provide them with a better understanding of how these technologies work, how to navigate them safely, and what boundaries should be set.
Discuss Ethical Use: It is important to educate children on ethical behavior when using AI. Teach them the importance of creating original work and respecting the intellectual property of others. Help them understand that copying and pasting without permission is not only unethical but can also have legal consequences.

AI is transforming education by enhancing academic outcomes and skill development. However, its success depends on responsible implementation to maximize benefits while managing risks. Let’s work together to ensure AI-driven learning is safe, effective, and inclusive.

Check our solution at EDCET and join us today to become part of the change.

Cartoon Addiction among Kids is Actually a Blessing

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:35:28 +0300

Addressing Children's Addiction to Cartoons Through Productive Tech-Enabled Learning

"My children's excessive cartoon-watching has become a pressing concern, and I'm at a loss on how to address it without causing disruption.” This worry resonated deeply with numerous parents at our recent exhibition.

In today's digital age, children are constantly surrounded by screens of all sizes: smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, tablets, and more. The prevalent nature and affordability of the internet make it challenging to monitor and regulate their screen time effectively. Since children primarily view these screens as sources of entertainment, it's no surprise they constantly seek new forms of amusement. Whether it's cartoons or social media, their screen time isn't the main issue; rather, it's their growing addiction that poses a significant challenge for parents.

Numerous strategies have been proposed to combat children's screen addiction, from strict punishments to withholding access to gadgets. However, these approaches often prove ineffective in the face of rapidly advancing technology, offering only temporary solutions to a persistent problem. Encouraging them to engage in other activities is beneficial, but it can be challenging to implement when addiction is already a factor, as it may provoke resistance from the children. Does that mean there is no solution? Absolutely not, we just need to approach the whole issue creatively and carefully to get the desired results.

Fortunately, there's a promising alternative that embraces the reality of children's screen addiction which is transforming this addiction into a catalyst for productivity. This paradigm shift aligns with EDCET's mission, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to contemporary challenges. It's time to abandon outdated methods that only increase tensions between parents and children. We need to embrace what works.

At EDCET, we've conducted extensive research and collaborated with experts to develop a comprehensive solution that not only addresses children's cartoon addiction but also fosters their personal development and prepares them for future leadership roles on a global scale. By harnessing the time children spend on screens, we can impart essential digital skills in a manner that is both engaging and educational.

Our approach begins with instilling online safety awareness and introducing children to interactive learning platforms offering enriching content such as videos, quizzes, and interactive lessons. From there, we gradually introduce them to a range of digital skills, including typing, coding, digital literacy, and leveraging technology for academic tasks.

By implementing this strategy through our carefully planned phases we can effectively reduce children's cartoon addiction without eliciting resistance. Instead, children will become more cooperative and productive, actively contributing to household activities. However, parents shouldn't navigate this journey alone; partnering with trusted experts ensures a seamless transition towards a tech-enabled learning environment that benefits both children and parents.

Children's cartoon addiction isn't a problem that cannot be solved; actually it's an opportunity for growth and transformation. By guiding children to use technology constructively, we can diminish their dependence on cartoons while equipping them with powerful skills and knowledge for the future.

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Creating a Safe Digital Space for Children in the 21st Century

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 19:23:57 +0300

Empowering Parents: Navigating Digital Safety for Children in the 21st Century

We can no longer shield our children from the influence of technology. It's unrealistic to believe that imposing strict rules and denying them internet access will protect them from digital threats. Such measures might have worked in the past when the internet was less pervasive, but today, technology is ubiquitous and irresistible. It's no longer a luxury but a necessity, readily available and affordable. Denying your children access to the internet does not guarantee their online safety. They will still find ways to access the internet through connecting with friends. Our digital space can be compared to a fable, much like how cautious we are about sending children to the store at night, while feeling comfortable sending them during the day. Just as we exercise caution and concern in the physical world, there's a parallel in the digital realm where certain aspects may seem safer or riskier depending on the circumstances.

Rather than keeping the internet away from the children, it's best to consider bringing it to them. Denying them access might make it challenging for them to navigate the contemporary world. What we need to come up with is a way of ensuring that our children are safe while they benefit through the digital space. We need to bring all stakeholders on board. All parties responsible for availing digital access to the children should take responsibility for implementing strategies geared towards their online safety.

The most important category of stakeholders that needs to be brought on board is the parents. First, we need to enlighten the parents why technology access is very important to their children. The Internet provides children with access to a vast amount of information and resources, as well as opportunities for education, communication, socialization, and entertainment. However, it also exposes them to potential risks such as cyber-bullying, online predators, and inappropriate content. To get a clear picture of these threats, let us look at the following statistics availed by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA):

89% of sexual solicitations are made in social media chat rooms or instant Messaging (IM).
75% of youth who receive sexual solicitations are unlikely to tell a parent or guardian.
Statistics show that as many as 1 in 5 children aged 10-17 have been solicited sexually online.
Statistics suggest that as much as 45% of children aged 10-17 have been asked for personal information by someone they don’t know.
Cyber-bullying can also occur over text messages.

This is the reality that we cannot run away from. The good thing is that as parents we have the upper hand. Now that we know what we are dealing with, we can implement measures to counter all these threats. We recommend the following tips given by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), which seems to agree with our research, to the parents:
Start teaching them at an early age. When they begin showing interest in using the internet and internet-enabled devices, this is your chance to begin teaching them how to use them safely. Remember, you and other members of your immediate family have the best opportunity to guide them.
Set clear expectations of how they should behave online and how important their online reputation is (because this could come back to either help them or haunt them later in life).
Set clear boundaries and educate them about;
The types of content that are unsuitable for them
The consequences and dangers of cyber-bullying, hate speech, and harassment
The dangers of sharing personal and intimate information online and the legal consequences of sharing others’ information.
Always be aware of what your kids are doing. One way to do this is to designate a safe and comfortable area in your house for online activity. This can help your kids feel safe because they can easily reach out but are independent enough to explore the internet without feeling overly monitored.
Try to keep an open and honest environment. Let your kids know that they can come to you with any questions and concerns about their online experience without any judgement on your part.
Consider installing parental locks on common devices and certain websites.
Protect your children’s information and teach them how to do the same
Teach them how to set their privacy settings online and not to overshare their information.
Ensure that all of your devices are updated with the latest in security, antivirus, and anti-malware software.
Create fun learning sessions where your kids can learn general cybersecurity terms, what they mean, and how to recognize them.

With all this information, we just need a responsible party to take it to the parents? Here at EDCET, it is our responsibility to oversee this happen. EDCET has a vision that clearly states, “We envision a future where the young people we impact become global leaders in technology and bring forth innovative global solutions to global challenges that transform lives and make the world a better place”

In partnership with school institutions and like-minded institutions, we provide skills, tools, and opportunities for quality education to help equip children and youth with 21st-century skills. We are developing young minds to be Global leaders in technology. Our integrated approach takes advantage of the New competency-based curriculum to teach applicable digital skills at any age and within the available provided learning timelines..

In our endeavors, ensuring the safety of children in the digital realm remains our foremost priority. We have already instituted safety measures and wish to underscore our ongoing dedication to their effective implementation. Prior to the introduction of digital education in schools, we normally take a pivotal step by educating parents about its implementation. It's worth noting that we have provided partner schools with access to the digital curriculum through our offline servers. In that case, we have eliminated threats posed by the internet. This also ensures that even when learners' technological resources are offline, they still have access to the learning content.
Collaborating closely with our partners, we are committed to mitigating potential digital threats that could jeopardize the well-being of children.In programs utilizing online support, where children access educational content online, we meticulously safeguard their online experience. We have implemented parental controls and maintain regular communication with parents. Our dedicated staff, responsible for program facilitation, ensures proper guidance for the learners, taking into account the importance of providing age-appropriate resources to ensure their relevance.

EDCET aspires to cultivate future global leaders by leveraging technology. Our goal is to empower the younger generation with the knowledge needed to adeptly and efficiently solve future challenges. Acknowledging the potential challenges associated with the internet, as discussed earlier, we are steadfast in our commitment to guarantee online safety for children. Through strategic partnerships, we collaborate effectively to implement robust online safety measures. Continuous research is integral to our approach, ensuring that the digital education we deliver not only meets but exceeds standards, providing a completely secure learning environment.

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