School of the future: Development and responsible use of AI is encouraged for students in Manaus

Manaus (AM) – With a focus on the professions of the future, children and adolescents have been learning about the development and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the classroom, taking an approach that goes far beyond interacting on social networks or Applications (APP). This is the focus of the pedagogical program at the School of Technological Education Manaós Tech for Kids.

In classes on AI, teaching takes place through pedagogical content that addresses a playful format, teaching children and adolescents from an early age about the importance of using this technology for their professional training.

“The teaching of Artificial Intelligence to our students, whether children or teenagers who are learning to program, goes far beyond knowing how to develop this technique for the future. Training in this area has a significant impact on the way our students will solve problems, in addition to stimulating critical thinking, worldview and the ability to create innovative solutions”,

clarifies the CEO of the school, Glauco Aguiar.

With the popularization of ChatGPT (chatbot with Artificial Intelligence created by the North American company OpenAI), the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been causing, more and more, impacts on people’s lives.

Artificial Intelligence and Education

Around the world, AI has been applied in several areas ranging from systems to face climate crises, in the development of treatments for diseases such as cancer, to the exploration of outer space, among others.

“At Manaós Tech, we started our studies by introducing the basic concepts of Artificial Intelligence. Here, students learn what it is, how it works, and its many applications in the real world, from virtual assistants to self-driving cars. Our goal is to make students understand that Artificial Intelligence is a powerful tool and that, if used ethically and responsibly, it will have a significant impact on society”,

reveals Aguiar.

In 2021, writer, mathematician and researcher Ingrid Seabra released the book “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Education”. In the work, the author addresses that “one way in which AI can help improve education is by making classes more engaging for students. With the help of AI tools, such as chatbots or virtual assistants, teachers will be able to create more interactive and participatory classes”, points out the author.

algorithmic thinking

While learning AI at the Manaós Tech school, students learn about programming and also about robotics in practice, having the chance to build their own systems. They also use age-appropriate programming languages ​​such as: Scratch (for younger students) and Python (for older students) to program robots and develop intelligent games. This allows them to see how AI can be applied in a practical and fun way.

“We also emphasize the development of algorithmic thinking which is the ability to define clear and logical processes for solving problems. This is critical not just for programming, but also for a wide range of disciplines and professions. Understanding this way of thinking opens doors to creativity and innovation”,

highlights the CEO of Manaós Tech.

ethic

At the Manós Tech school, ethics is a fundamental key in the process of learning Artificial Intelligence, since recently controversial cases have gained prominence in the press about the use of AI, mainly involving images of famous people who have died.

“Here at the school, we make our students aware of the ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence. We discuss issues such as: privacy, bias and equity so they can understand the challenges that AI presents to society. We want to train not only skilled coders, but aware and ethical citizens who use technology for good”,

signals Glauco Aguiar.

To better understand how the dynamics of AI works, Glauco clarifies that it is important to emphasize that “the machine does not have consciousness. In fact, the codes, the algorithms created are responsible for simulating this ‘awareness’, a fact that ends up causing confusion in people’s minds”.

Parents encourage AI learning

With the advances achieved by AI in various fields of knowledge, parents of students and some experts on the subject are aware of the importance of learning this technological tool.

To Denis Rocha, Finance auditor and father of student Lucas Rocha, 10 years old; It is very important for children to learn about Artificial Intelligence from an early age.

“I think it’s very important that children learn about Artificial Intelligence, as it is a tool that is appearing more and more in our lives. This technology can help children develop important skills like critical thinking and problem solving. Learning about Artificial Intelligence will prepare children for the jobs of the future.”

opined Rocha.

However, Denis reinforces that children also need to understand the risks of misuse of the tool and know how to use it. He also emphasizes that the arts and reading must have the same importance in the learning of the little ones.

“I emphasize the importance of children practicing arts and reading, as this will also be a differential in the use of technological tools, both in creativity, interpretation and logical reasoning. I believe that every new environment that involves learning in a playful and cooperative way, influences the child to be more extroverted and creative”,

ends the student’s parent.

Expert reinforces caution with connectivity

In addition to the ethical issue, the increasing use of AI also raises discussions focused on security, related to the use of sensitive data and information, both from children and adults.

For Edleno Moura, professor at the Institute of Computing at the Federal University of Amazonas (Icomp/Ufam), the use of AI is not the main problem, but the ease of connectivity and access to social networks.

“Cybercrime is a danger not only for children, but also for adults. I see Artificial Intelligence as something on the sidelines in this process, as the greatest danger is very high connectivity, giving more access to criminals. Hence, anyone, whether or not they are a computer expert, can fall into a scam”,

points out the professor when warning that cases of crimes only happen because the connectivity of social networks and the ease with which you have to get in touch with anyone nowadays, is the crucial point.

In Edleno’s view, connectivity represents a great vulnerability for children, adults and the elderly, because at any time, a scammer can get in touch very easily.

For the CEO of Manaós Tech, Glauco Aguiar, the issue is to prepare students, through knowledge, to learn how to deal with all types of situations, but, above all, to use AI for the common good.

“Teaching Artificial Intelligence at our school is not just about programming computers, but equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate and positively contribute to this increasingly digital world we live in,”

concludes.

*With advisory information

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