What do children most need to learn for a world with AI?
Reasons of their own to learn, room to ask questions, support for the next challenge and people to learn with.
They need reasons of their own to learn, and an environment that takes those reasons seriously.
In my Manifesto of a Curious Child, I imagine a learner who has a say in their education, follows questions that matter to them and enjoys stretching beyond what they can already do. They know why they are learning and can turn an idea into something they have made themselves. They also have people to learn with and a community to contribute to.
Difficult feelings and questions belong in that learning too. Children need room to explore who they are, understand conflict and learn to act without harming others. Growing up involves more than producing correct answers.
Teachers, parents, friends and AI can support that growth. A child should be able to recognise what they are gaining from the work, including when it takes effort. The experience of becoming more capable gives learning a value that no machine can simply hand over with a finished assignment.
— Martin Poliačik