[Source – govtech.com]
AI: Key to Future Success, Say U.S. Parents
A recent survey commissioned by Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow program has revealed that an overwhelming majority of U.S. parents recognize the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in their children’s future success. The Morning Consult conducted, a survey reveals a significant knowledge gap, showing that 88% of parents of Gen Alpha and Gen Z students believe AI will be crucial in their child’s education and career. However, 81% of these parents remain unsure whether AI is part of their child’s current curriculum, pointing to a significant gap in AI education within the U.S. school system.
Ann Woo, Head of Corporate Citizenship for Samsung North America, emphasized the importance of closing this AI knowledge gap. “Our survey highlights the need to better equip students, educators, and parents with the tools required to navigate AI’s impact on education,” Woo stated. As AI becomes a transformative force in various sectors, the survey underscores the urgency of integrating AI into primary and secondary education.
Parental Optimism and Concerns about AI in Schools
The survey, titled “Future-Proofing Education: How AI is Shaping Learning for Gen Alpha & Gen Z,” polled over 1,000 U.S. parents. The findings reveal strong optimism about AI’s potential in education, with 69% of parents seeing AI as a significant force for educational advancement. Most parents (76%) believe AI will play a critical role in content creation, while others see its value in answering students’ questions (72%), simulating real-world scenarios (70%), and offering personalized learning experiences (67%).
However, despite these promising perceptions, concerns remain. Seventy percent of parents stressed the importance of having guidelines for AI education, while 92% emphasized the need for students to be educated about AI’s potential risks. The survey reveals a significant knowledge gap, as parents also raised concerns about AI’s impact on critical thinking, social interaction, and academic integrity. Over half of the surveyed parents (56%) fear students may become overly dependent on AI, while 48% worry about its potential to erode critical thinking skills and promote cheating.
Innovative AI Solutions and Samsung’s Educational Commitment
Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow program, which challenges U.S. public school students to address local issues using STEM, has seen increasing use of AI in recent years. In the most recent 2023-2024 competition, three notable AI-driven projects garnered attention. Students from New York’s Stuyvesant High School developed an AI-powered cane to assist visually impaired individuals, while Colorado’s STEM School Highlands Ranch team designed an AI wildlife detection system to reduce wildlife-related car accidents. Princeton High School students in New Jersey created a plush robot with generative AI to help preserve endangered Indigenous languages.
As AI continues to shape education, Samsung remains committed to empowering students and teachers through its STEM initiatives. The survey reveals a significant knowledge gap and serves as a call to action, encouraging schools and communities to embrace AI’s transformative potential in preparing students for the future.
To learn more about Samsung’s ongoing efforts and the upcoming 2024-2025 STEM competition, which is accepting entries until October 24, visit Samsung’s website.
