S E5: Get on the AI Train: Teaching Kids to Use Artificial Intelligence, with Zain Punjwani

The explosion of artificial intelligence (AI) has taken many parents and teachers by surprise. It feels like this technology should have taken years to reach our schools and children, but it’s already arrived, and now families are trying to catch up.

But what’s the right approach to take when it comes to AI and our children? How can they benefit from it, and are there potential dangers to watch out for? Today, I’m speaking with Zain Punjwani, program director at Apollo School. We’re going to break down the best ways for families to approach AI to help their kids thrive.

Listen now to hear:

• How to think about AI when it comes to helping kids learn and grow [02:53]; 

• Why many schools are intimidated by AI and what they can do about it [07:58];

• Ideas for experimenting with AI with teens [11:49] and younger children [14:24]; and 
• The importance of getting on the AI train TODAY [16:50].

Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways! 

Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips on how to inspire your children’s fresh thinking and love of learning. 

Links and Resources 

• Read this McKinsey & Company report about the growing use of AI in the workplace. 
• Explore AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, Dream Studio, and Runway that can help kids learn through creating games, stories, art, and other creative work. 
• Take a look at how ChatGPT has already advanced to deliver responses that cater to users' context and goals. 
• Learn more about Apollo School. 
• Find more helpful resources on the Future of Education YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and subscribe! 
• Learn more about 2hr Learning, an AI-powered program that helps schools provide personalized, mastery learning in as little as two hours per day.

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About Zain Punjwani  Zain Punjwani builds education systems that help students become the best version of themselves. Zain’s journey in education began when he helped build an entrepreneurship academy for the University of Cape Town. Over the last three years, Zain has designed and delivered over 500 sessions for more than 300 students from 30+ countries focused on problem-solving, decision-making, and increasing inner confidence and curiosity. Zain has also built over 30 experiential learning courses using AI for universities across North America that are used by over 1,000 students. Zain is currently a Program Director at Apollo where students ages 10-13 explore their interests and learn about technologies shaping the world through application-based challenges.

Podcast Credits

• Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price
• Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media 
• Senior Producer: Amanda Avery
• Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing
• Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions
• Music Producer: Dyami Wilson