Paraphrasing the famous saying, “the wait for the technological singularity is itself the technological singularity”. Many people experience this period of advance of artificial intelligence as the great eve of something that could revolutionize every aspect of our existence. And they make a mistake: because this revolution has already happened. Many of the things we still do, almost by inertia, are already over and we don't even realize it. This uncertain horizon raises a profound reflection on how we should orient the education of our children.
It is no longer enough to follow the educational path with the hope that everything will go well; it is essential to equip them to navigate an unpredictable future, full of challenges and opportunities not yet outlined.
The impact of AI on society
As mentioned, artificial intelligence is not an abstract concept reserved for science fiction novels or research laboratories. It's a tangible reality that is already influencing the way we live, work and interact with each other. And its pervasive presence in our daily lives raises fundamental questions about the kinds of skills our children will need to develop to thrive in this new context.
The speed with which AI is evolving makes this challenge even more urgent, pushing us to rethink the very foundations of education. And to do this we must embrace different dimensions, from the merely technological to the philosophical. The central question? How to effectively prepare our children (and young people in general) for a world in which machines will perform many of the functions traditionally reserved for humans. Many, even more than we believe is possible today. This does not necessarily imply an apocalyptic vision of the future, but requires in-depth reflection on which skills will be most valuable in a context radically transformed by AI.
Develop transversal skills
The answer to this educational challenge lies not only in teaching technical skills related to computer science or engineering. While these skills remain important, it is crucial to promote the development of soft skills such as critical thinking, creativity, empathy and adaptability.
These fundamental human capabilities will ensure that our children can not only coexist with advanced machines but also direct their development in ways that reflect our collective values and aspirations.
The importance of ethics and responsibility
Teaching young people to navigate the world of AI also means educating them about the complex ethical dilemmas that accompany its development. We should strive to convey a sense of responsibility towards the technologies we create and use, emphasizing how AI design decisions can have broad social repercussions. Preparing children to ask difficult questions about the implications of technological innovations is crucial to ensuring that the future of AI is guided by ethical considerations.
A holistic approach to education
Approaching education in the age of AI requires a holistic vision that integrates STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines with the arts, humanities and social sciences. This interdisciplinarity is essential to develop well-tempered individuals, capable of understanding the technical facets of AI and its broader implications on society. Such an educational approach promotes a deeper understanding of the world, preparing our children to contribute meaningfully to shaping our collective future.
In short (Italian only)
We have just entered an era that will be largely shaped, if not defined by artificial intelligence. Raising children in this context requires a balance between the development of specific technical skills and universal/transversal human skills. It requires the exhortation not to chain oneself to a skill, to a career, to an income, to a job, but to one's own passions and vocations, even if they have non-orthodox forms.
Only by adopting an educational approach that values both aspects will we be able to successfully navigate the waters that are already rising. Only in this way will our children actively participate in a future where humanity and artificial intelligence can thrive together.
