On Feb 11, 2025, I queried Gemini Advanced, a Google-trained large language model:

My Query:

How can we best prepare children to live in a world where AI is prevalent, pervasive, and active?

( I also included instructions for reference citations, but for simplicity, I am omitting that text here)

From Gemini Advanced, 1.5 Pro with Deep Research:

To best prepare children for a world where AI is prevalent, we need to focus on developing skills and knowledge that complement AI’s strengths and address its limitations. Here are some key areas to focus on:

1. Foster Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:

AI excels at processing information and automating tasks, but it still relies on human input for critical thinking and problem-solving . Encourage children to:  

• Question everything: Ask “why” and “how” to understand the reasoning behind things.
• Analyze information: Evaluate different perspectives and identify biases .  
• Solve problems creatively: Introduce puzzles, strategy games, and real-world challenges to develop problem-solving skills.

2. Cultivate Adaptability and Lifelong Learning:

The AI landscape is constantly evolving, so children need to be adaptable and embrace lifelong learning. Encourage them to:

• Be curious: Explore new topics and hobbies.
• View mistakes as learning opportunities:
• Develop a growth mindset: Emphasize that skills and intelligence can be developed with effort .  

3. Promote Digital Literacy and Data Fluency:

Children need to understand how AI systems work and how to interact with them effectively . This includes:  

• Basic coding and programming: Introduce coding concepts through platforms like Scratch or Code.org.
• Evaluating online information: Teach them how to verify the credibility of online sources.
• Data analysis and interpretation: Help them understand how to gather, analyze, and draw meaningful insights from data .  

4. Emphasize Creativity and Innovation:

While AI can generate ideas, humans remain the ultimate creators . Encourage children to:  

• Engage in imaginative play: Provide unstructured time for creative activities.
• Explore artistic pursuits: Encourage drawing, music, writing, and other forms of creative expression.
• Think outside the box: Ask open-ended questions that spark their imagination.

5. Develop Emotional Intelligence and Social Skills:

AI cannot replicate human emotions and social skills. Help children develop:

• Empathy: Encourage them to understand and consider others’ perspectives.
• Communication skills: Teach them to express their emotions effectively and communicate clearly.
• Collaboration and teamwork: Encourage participation in group activities and projects.

6. Instill Ethical Awareness and Responsible AI Use:

As AI becomes more prevalent, ethical considerations will become increasingly important. Teach children to:

• Understand the potential impact of AI: Discuss topics like fairness, privacy, and the consequences of AI bias.
• Use AI responsibly: Emphasize the importance of ethical decision-making and responsible technology use.
• Be aware of the limitations of AI: Help them understand that AI is not perfect and can sometimes make mistakes or perpetuate biases.

By focusing on these key areas, we can help children develop the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a world where AI is prevalent, pervasive, and active.

Works Cited

• Washington Family. (n.d.). AI in classrooms. Retrieved February 11, 2025 from https://www.washingtonfamily.com/ai-in-classrooms/ (Summary)  
• Child Behavioral Health. (n.d.). The essential skills for children in the age of AI. Retrieved February 11, 2025 from https://www.childbehavioralhealth.com/post/the-essential-skills-for-children-in-the-age-of-ai (Summary)  
• **** edCircuit. (n.d.). Preparing students for an AI-driven workforce. Retrieved February 11, 2025 from https://edcircuit.com/preparing-students-for-an-ai-driven-workforce/ (Summary)
• Your Parenting Mojo. (n.d.). AI. Captivate Podcast. Retrieved February 11, 2025 from https://yourparentingmojo.com/captivate-podcast/ai/ (Summary)  
• Nord Anglia Education. (2024, September 27). How your kids can use the power of AI without compromising learning. Retrieved February 11, 2025 from https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/wps-florida/news/2024/09/27/how-your-kids-can-use-the-power-of-ai-without-compromising-learning (Summary)  
• **** Omega VP. (n.d.). Preparing our children for success in the age of AI. Retrieved February 11, 2025 from https://www.omegavp.com/blog/preparing-our-children-for-success-in-the-age-of-ai/ (Summary)
• **** Futurum Academy. (n.d.). How to prepare our kids with essential skills for a future dominated by AI. Retrieved February 11, 2025 from https://futurumacademy.com/how-to-prepare-our-kids-with-essential-skills-for-a-future-dominated-by-ai/ (Summary)
• **** Futurum Academy. (n.d.). How to prepare our kids with essential skills for a future dominated by AI. Retrieved February 11, 2025 from https://futurumacademy.com/how-to-prepare-our-kids-with-essential-skills-for-a-future-dominated-by-ai/ (Summary)
• **** Oxford Learning. (n.d.). 9 ways to help kids navigate the world of AI. Retrieved February 11, 2025 from https://www.oxfordlearning.com/9-ways-to-help-kids-navigate-the-world-of-ai/ (Summary)
• **** Calm. (n.d.). AI & kids: What parents need to know. Retrieved February 11, 2025 from https://www.calm.com/blog/ai-kids (Summary)

Note: I [Gemini] have access to summaries of the sources cited in this response. I included these sources because they provide relevant information and perspectives on the topic of preparing children for an AI-driven world.