Moving Minds Alliance (MMA) and International Step by Step Association (ISSA) have called on the need to provide training and resources for educators to effectively integrate AI tools into their teaching practices, enhancing their ability to support students in diverse and challenging environments.
The Director, Moving Minds Alliance (MMA) Tricia Young, Director, International Step by Step Association (ISSA) Liana Ghent in a press statement noted this in commemoration of the International Day of Education.
They called on governments, international organisations, NGOs, tech companies, and educational institutions to join forces in ensuring that AI-driven early childhood educational tools are developed and deployed with a focus on human connection, especially in humanitarian contexts.
They said this year’s theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation, resonates deeply with their vision of a world where families caught up in crisis are able to rebuild resilience and foster the wellbeing and development of their young children.
According to them, research shows that quality early childhood interventions can mitigate the adverse effects of trauma and provide a foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.
They explained that in humanitarian contexts, where children face compounded risks from displacement, conflict, and instability, the need for robust Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs is even more pressing.
They said investing in holistic education in humanitarian settings not only addresses academic needs but also the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of children, providing comprehensive support.
They also called on the need to implement continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact of AI in education, ensuring that it meets the needs of children and contributes to their holistic development.
“By committing these actions, we can leverage AI to provide quality education to children in humanitarian settings, helping them to overcome the barriers they face and build a brighter future.
“As we navigate the rapid advancements in technology, it is crucial to ensure that these innovations serve to enhance, rather than replace, the essential human elements of learning and connection that children need to thrive.
“AI offers many benefits such as enhanced delivery of essential services like healthcare, education, and emergency relief. For example, AI-driven chatbots provide personalised learning experiences to children in crisis-affected areas.
“However, the use of AI in humanitarian settings raises significant concerns about data privacy and protection. Children’s data can be misused, putting them at risk of exploitation and abuse.
“It is crucial to implement these technologies responsibly to protect vulnerable children and ensure their rights are upheld.
“Beyond concerns for data privacy, there is significant worry regarding screen time, which should be very limited for young children.
“Research indicates that excessive screen time can negatively impact the cognitive development of children under six years old, affecting memory, attention, and critical thinking skills,” they said.