What's the...TECH?!

Newsletter No2 🌟

Author

What's the... Tech?!
December 21, 2024

8 in the evening,

"Mom, I have my math test tomorrow. And I don’t know anything."

"???!!!??!? Why. Do. You. Tell. Me. This. Now? And not earlier?"

"I forgot."

"!!!! (Breathe in, breathe out) Bring your test materials; let’s see what we can do now."

Honestly, I don't remember much from school math.

Step 1: Initial Thought—"I need to find a tutor." Checked contacts and local groups with no success; everyone is busy and has no additional spot for one more "I-don’t-understand-math" student.

Step 2: Let's check if ChatGPT can help us. I took a screenshot of one of the exercises and formed a prompt with my older son: "ChatGPT, give me step-by-step instructions on how to solve this problem. I'm 15 years old and don't understand anything."

We got all the details and clear explanations. Long and detailed. I understood everything.

The issue is that this long explanation couldn't be processed by my son—too much to read.

We ended up with me coaching my son through the answers that I got from ChatGPT. And this combination of AI plus me worked perfectly.

Though it raised several "Aha!" questions:

  • What AI-powered online tutor systems exist, and what are their possibilities?

  • Speaking about the inevitable AI and its productive implementation into education at all levels, what should be practically done to move beyond cheating and the "write homework for me" mentality? Can AI substitute live teachers?

  • What about the fears of cheating or kids not developing essential skills?

Yet, rather than forbidding technology, I believe we can find ways to incorporate AI ecologically into our kids' lives, turning potential pitfalls into opportunities for growth.

So, let's go step by step, as in the prompt to ChatGPT, and discuss navigating this new terrain together.

🎯 This Month's Hot Topic: AI in the Life of Kids and Parents, how to integrate productively 🤖

Definitely, we start with parents, educators, and those who care.

My suggested list of actions is as follows:

Step 1: Self-Education on AI Technologies

Action: Familiarize yourself with the basics of AI and its applications to hold a decent expert talk with your digital kids and guide them effectively.

Resources:

  1. AI for Everyone by Andrew Ng (Coursera)
    Description: A non-technical course designed to help individuals understand AI technologies and their applications across various fields, including education.
    What You'll Learn:

    • The meaning behind common AI terminology.

    • How to spot opportunities to apply AI to problems in your own organization.

  2. Artificial Intelligence in Education (edX)
    Description: This course explores the role of AI in education, including personalized learning and the future of teaching.
    What You'll Learn:

    • How AI can personalize learning experiences.

    • The impact of AI on educational policy and practice.

    • Strategies for integrating AI into educational settings.

  3. Elements of AI (FutureLearn)

    Description: A free online course that aims to demystify AI and explain its practical implications, suitable for beginners.
    What You'll Learn:

    • Basics of AI and its applications.

    • How AI methods work.

    • Implications of AI for society and individuals.

Step 2: Open Dialogue with Your Children

Action: Initiate conversations about AI, its role in learning, the benefits of AI, and ethical use. Create clear rules about when and how AI tools can be used.

Questions to Discuss:

  • How do you feel about using AI to help you with your homework?

  • Do you think there's a difference between getting help and cheating?

I worked through the following scenarios with my boys, discussing the consequences of each:

Scenario 1: A student copies an essay from the internet and submits it as their own work. The teacher uses plagiarism detection software and discovers the cheating. What can be the consequences?

Scenario 2: During an exam, a student uses a hidden device to access AI tools for answers. Consequences? Feelings?

Scenario 3: A student constantly cheats using AI tools and lives in fear of being caught. How does it affect the mental health and well-being of the person?

Summarizing our talking points:

  • Honesty is the Best Policy: Explain that being truthful is important in all aspects of life.

  • Learning vs. Grades: Stress that understanding the material is more valuable than just getting good grades.

  • Long-Term Effects: Discuss how cheating can negatively impact future goals and aspirations.

  • Support System: Assure your child that it's okay to ask for help when they don't understand something.

Step 3: Set Clear Guidelines and Restrictions

Action: Establish clear rules about the use of AI tools, including time limits, approved apps and websites, and supervision requirements.

Step 4: Provide Access to Appropriate AI Tools

Action: Check the list of recommended resources below.

🛠️ Cool Tools We Love 🛠️

List of AI Tools

  • Duolingo - Language learning app.

  • Scratch - Create stories, games, and animations.

  • Code.org - Learn coding with fun activities.

  • Tynker - Learn coding through games and challenges.

  • MIT App Inventor - Build your own apps.

  • Photomath - Solve math problems with step-by-step explanations.

  • AutoDraw - Create art with AI assistance.

  • Khan Academy - Free educational resources across subjects.

AI Tutoring Systems

  1. Question AI
    Overview
    Question AI is an AI-powered educational platform designed to assist students with homework and study questions across various subjects. It leverages machine learning algorithms to provide detailed explanations and step-by-step solutions.
    Features

    • Multi-Subject Support: Offers assistance in subjects like mathematics, science, history, and language arts.

    • AI Assistance: Provides instant answers and explanations by analyzing submitted questions.

    • User-Friendly Interface: Allows users to type questions or upload photos of problems.

    • Personalized Learning: Adapts to the user's learning pace and style.

  2. Accessibility

    • Platforms: Available as a mobile app on iOS and Android, and sometimes as a web application.

    • Cost: Offers a free version with basic features and a premium subscription for advanced functionalities.

  3. Age-Appropriateness

    • Suitable for students aged 10 and above, covering elementary to high school levels.

  4. Privacy and Safety

    • Data Protection: Complies with standard data protection regulations like GDPR.

    • Content Moderation: Filters inappropriate content to maintain a safe learning environment.

  5. Strengths

    • Comprehensive Subject Coverage: Assists with a wide range of subjects.

    • Detailed Explanations: Provides step-by-step solutions to enhance understanding.

  6. Weaknesses

    • Accuracy Limitations: May occasionally provide incorrect answers, especially for complex problems.

    • Premium Features: Some helpful features may require a paid subscription.

  7. GauthMath
    Overview
    GauthMath is a specialized math-solving app that has gained popularity among TikTok users. While not developed by TikTok, it is often associated with the platform due to widespread sharing of its features and problem-solving capabilities.
    Features

    • Math Focused: Specializes in mathematics, covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics.

    • AI Problem Solver: Allows users to take photos of math problems and receive instant solutions.

    • Live Tutoring: Offers access to professional tutors for complex questions that AI cannot solve.

    • Interactive Explanations: Provides detailed, step-by-step solutions and sometimes video explanations.

  8. Accessibility

    • Platforms: Available as a standalone app on iOS and Android.

    • Cost: Free to download with optional in-app purchases for premium services like live tutoring.

  9. Age-Appropriateness

    • Suitable for students aged 12 and above, ideal for middle school and high school students.

  10. Privacy and Safety

    • Data Privacy: Adheres to privacy laws and regulations.

    • Content Safety: Focused solely on educational content with minimal risk of exposure to inappropriate material.

  11. Strengths

    • Specialized Expertise: Excels in providing accurate solutions for a wide range of math problems.

    • Interactive Learning: Combines AI assistance with human tutoring for optimal support.

  12. Weaknesses

    • Subject Limitation: Restricted to mathematics, lacking support for other subjects.

  13. Answer AI
    Overview
    Answer AI is an AI-driven tutoring system that offers assistance across multiple subjects. It aims to enhance learning by providing detailed explanations and fostering a deeper understanding of academic material.
    Features

    • Multi-Subject Assistance: Supports subjects including math, science, literature, and social studies.

    • AI-Powered Responses: Delivers instant answers and explanations to user-submitted questions.

    • Step-by-Step Guidance: Breaks down solutions into manageable steps.

    • Adaptive Learning: Adjusts difficulty and explanation style based on user feedback and performance.

  14. Accessibility

    • Platforms: Available on iOS, Android, and sometimes via web browsers.

    • Cost: Provides a free tier with basic functionalities; advanced features may require a subscription.

  15. Age-Appropriateness

    • Suitable for students aged 12 and above, catering to middle school, high school, and early college levels.

  16. Privacy and Safety

    • Data Protection: Complies with international data protection standards.

    • Content Moderation: Ensures all content is appropriate and educational.

  17. Strengths

    • Broad Subject Range: Assists with various academic disciplines.

    • Detailed Explanations: Aids in concept comprehension rather than just providing answers.

  18. Weaknesses

    • Accuracy Issues: May occasionally produce incorrect or less detailed explanations.

    • Access Limitations: Full range of features may only be available to paying subscribers.

Comments from Experts

đź’¬ Alexandr Goldybin, father, serial tech entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of Code Maestro 

I've been gradually introducing AI to my 9-year-old son, focusing on practical and age-appropriate uses. He has ChatGPT installed on his tablet and phone, both limited to 30 minutes daily. I've shown him how to ask questions, explore sciences, and even discuss philosophical topics. While ChatGPT is helpful, he prefers Alice, which we have throughout the house. Alice has become his go-to virtual assistant for quick questions, and I’m impressed by how well it works for him.

I emphasize that AI is not a replacement for thinking but a tool to enhance learning and problem-solving. He knows to use it for guidance, not as a shortcut, such as cheating on homework. Recently, we explored features like solving equations and generating graphs, which sparked his curiosity. However, his use of AI remains moderate, as practical applications for his age are still limited.

This experience reassures me that kids don’t stop thinking critically when using AI. It’s all about how we guide them, balancing exploration and responsibility.

đź’¬ Alexandros Kofteros, Teacher, Co-Founder at Cyprus Computer History Museum

First of all, I should mention a few things about me: I am a primary school teachers and have been teaching (mostly) fourth to sixth grade students since 1999, and using computers and digital tools to prepare my work, develop material and deliver lessons on an almost daily basis. One of the first things that are really astounding with AI, is the incredible reduction in preparation time for digital material. For example, when creating original worksheets, even the most basic activities can take anything from 30’ to an hour. With ChatGPT or Gemini, given the fact that you are experienced (and this can be developed easily) with prompts, can take just a fraction of the time – it only takes a few seconds to produce a worksheet and then -of course- a few minutes to make changes and corrections to it.

Need a presentation for next day? No problem! You go to Gamma.app (or any other similar tool), you type the prompt (or use a URL with information, let’s say a Wikipedia article on the Pink Dolphin of the Amazon River) and after a few seconds and a few clicks, the presentation is ready with original (AI-generated) images! Yes, you might need to replace the images and spend some time correcting the text or even replacing entire slides, but -again- what used to take a few hours of work is reduced to 10 – 30 minutes.

How about an original text to work with your students? Just type the prompt, set the age, theme, basic content, and in a few seconds, we have an original text -be it a story with dialogues or an informative text on a specific subject- ready on screen to be printed and delivered to students. At the same time, an entire worksheet with questions, either open-ended or multiple choice or Right/Wrong, can be created in mere seconds. 

But, that is not all: we can also use the tools to differentiate the content to cater to the needs of our students: for example, we can import the text we are using to ChatGPT or Gemini, and “ask” AI to simplify it, so that students that have difficulties coping with larger, more complex texts can understand it better. In Cyprus, especially in Public schools, our classes are mixed-ability, that means that multiple levels of students are present in a single classroom. Differentiation in content is an absolute must in such cases, and it takes forever to create -and that is why it’s rarely done- but with AI, what would normally take hours daily, now becomes feasible.

The list of possibilities is endless. With this text I have just scratched the surface of what is possible and what we have been doing for the past year. But, we have to start with something.

đź“– Learn a New Word: Parent's Digital Dictionary

Today's Term: Deepfake

What is a Deepfake?

A deepfake is a video, image, or audio file created using artificial intelligence (AI) that manipulates or swaps faces, voices, or movements to make it appear as if someone is saying or doing something they never actually did. It uses technologies like deep learning and neural networks to create highly realistic but entirely fabricated content.

Examples of Deepfakes

Positive Use:

  • Entertainment: Deepfake technology is used in movies to de-age actors (e.g., in "Star Wars: Rogue One").

  • Education: Some historical or educational videos use deepfakes to bring historical figures "back to life."

Negative Use:

  • Fake News: Deepfakes have been used to create misleading political videos, spreading false information.

  • Cyberbullying: Teens may encounter deepfakes used to manipulate their faces into inappropriate or embarrassing scenarios.

  • Fraud: Scammers can use deepfakes to impersonate voices or faces, tricking victims into sharing personal information.

How to Identify a Deepfake

While deepfakes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, there are signs parents can look out for:

  • Unnatural Facial Movements or Expressions: Look for mismatched facial expressions, unnatural blinking, or odd lip movements that don’t align with the speech.

  • Inconsistent Lighting or Shadows: Check if the lighting on the face doesn't match the background or if shadows look unnatural.

  • Audio and Voice Mismatches: Pay attention to the voice. Discrepancies in tone, pacing, or background noise can be clues.

  • Blurring or Distortion: Look around the edges of the face or body for blurring, flickering, or distortions—especially during fast movements.

  • Context and Source: If the video appears out of character or seems sensational, verify the source. Was it posted by a reputable platform or account?

How to Protect Your Family

  • Educate Your Kids: Discuss how deepfakes are created and why they can be harmful. Teach them not to believe everything they see online.

  • Strengthen Privacy: Encourage your children to avoid oversharing personal photos or videos online. These could be used to create a deepfake.

  • Verify Content: Teach your kids to fact-check videos or images that seem outlandish. Use tools like Google Reverse Image Search or platforms like Snopes to confirm authenticity.

  • Be Cautious About Apps: Some apps offer "fun" face-swapping features but may collect data that can be misused. Always review app permissions and privacy policies.

🌟 Monthly Challenge: Winter Holidays Family Challenge

Create Your Ideal Weekly Plan with AI ❄️✨

Collaborate as a family to design the perfect weekly schedule for winter holidays, ensuring everyone’s interests (parents, kids, and even pets!) are included. Use different AI tools to spark creativity and make planning more fun! Play with prompts to get the best result approved by all family members.

My dears, a lot of festive mood and congratulations with the magical season coming - may this season bring you closer to what truly matters—time spent with your dearest ones, hearts full of laughter, and memories made in the warmth of togetherness. Let the glow of love outshine the screens and create moments to treasure forever. Happy Holidays!

With warm wishes,

Yulia Tarasova, Co-Founder of KidIT🌟

Connect With Us! đź¤—

Got questions? Tech dilemmas keeping you awake? Or just want to share your own tech parenting wins? Drop us a line at [email protected]

Remember: We're all in this digital parenting journey together! Sometimes we rock it, sometimes rock hits us, but we keep growing and learning alongside our kids! 🌱

Stay connected and positive.

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