Opinion: Preparing For An AI-Enhanced World — What Schools Should Teach
There is no doubt that we are stepping into an AI-enhanced world. I hear a lot of conversations around me about how most jobs will be redundant in the future because they will be easily done with AI. I also sense fear among people about how their skill set will not be relevant in the future.
That raises a few questions in my mind. Are schools are laying the foundation to make us book-smart or future-prepared? Do we still need to learn column multiplication of 5348 x 87 if calculators were invented more than 50 years ago? Do we still need spelling tests when spell checks were invented more than 40 years ago? Do we still need to memorise historical facts if search engines were invented more than 30 years ago?
I strongly believe that schools must replace outdated curricula and enhance our understanding and use of technology.
In an AI-driven world, understanding technology is non-negotiable. In today's world, the importance of cybersecurity, online privacy, and the ethical use of technology should be common knowledge but unfortunately, it isn’t. I think if schools would educate us on these topics from an early age, everyone could avoid being technologically challenged and use technology to enhance personal and professional aspects of their lives. Not only that, cybercrime, online bullying could be controlled.
The only trump card we have over AI is human creativity and logic. My mom always told me, “You learn at the job”, and I always used to wonder, what did she do at school and college then?
I am lucky that some schools these days, including mine, give us many opportunities to learn real-world problems to find real-world solutions. But most of the schools do not.
Instead, most children around the world still spend most of their time glued to their chairs with a book and pen. Our education system needs an overhaul to give importance to creative thinking and problem-solving, otherwise, there will be no stopping AI from creating major job shortages.
While machines can automate many tasks, they cannot replicate the human touch. Schools must prioritise enhancing EQ in children, giving opportunities for teamwork and communicating effectively. If this is done, people will thrive in their workplaces and not be threatened by AI.
In conclusion, we are soon to be in an era dominated by technology. I know it is best to be educated on these topics in school. So why are schools not taking urgent action? At this pace, we will be underprepared for the future. So, to all the schools in the world, I need to ask; are you helping children of today become competent adults of tomorrow?
Vansh Kheterpal is 10 years old. He studies in Gems Wellington International School, Dubai.
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