Demystifying AI: An Introduction to Machine Learning for Kids

Artificial intelligence, also known as AI, has begun to make its mark on our world. Remember those robot movies where a machine or a robot become extremely smart that they plot to take over the world? Although there should be no reason to worry about future fights against robots, we need to be aware of artificial intelligence's abilities and how that might affect learning for kids.

Juni Learning is committed to demystifying and making these subjects easily accessible to young minds by breaking down the natural language processing of AI and translating it into terms kids understand. We strive to provide an entertaining and engaging environment where kids can explore AI systems, Machine Learning and computer science, breaking down each with easily digestible steps.

Simplifying Artificial Intelligence: A Kid-Friendly Definition

Think of AI as a computer that can think and learn from the world around it. Do you know how you go to school to learn and read English? AI can do the same thing, like deep learning of new words, pictures, or languages. AI is like having a friend that is an expert at almost everything and willing to help us figure out and solve all sorts of different problems!

Explaining AI systems for Kids

Our friend AI is incredible with the number of tasks it can help us do in our everyday life by using its own algorithms! Some of the things AI systems can help us out with include:

• Image processing: looking at pictures and understanding what is in them

• Translate languages

• Remind parents of tasks such as when to take out the trash, when to feed the dog, etc

• Make recommendations based on past choices, such as movies or songs

• Help doctors analyze X-rays and MRIs to identify health issues

• Capable of idea generation, such as ideas for startups (like Microsoft)

• Help us understand different topics such as computer science (using search engines such as Chatgpt)

What is Machine Learning? A Basic Understanding

Machine Learning is important for us to understand, because it is how AI learns and processes information. In order to truly understand and best utilize AI, we need to know how AI processes information; which is far different from the human brain. One method that is utilized is called neural network, which is a method in AI that teaches computers how to process data in a way that is inspired by the human brain.

How Does Machine Learning and Neural Networks Function?

Imagine you have your friend, AI, with you and you draw a picture of a dog. After you draw the dog, you look at AI and say, "This is a dog!" As you continue teaching it, the computer will recognize those images independently (using its computer vision), breaking down their own natural language processing skills and translating them to communicate with us. This is how AI computers utilize the natural language process and speech recognition, and implements what it learns, which sets AI apart from other types of computers.

Machine Learning is like sitting with a robot friend and teaching them to play a new game as beginners. Let's say you want to introduce Mr. AI how to play the card game Uno. You would begin by taking the deck of cards and explaining what each card means. You would then show AI examples of cards you can and cannot play and other specifics, such as when to use a wild card.

As you play more and more, AI grows the ability to make decisions independently, with automation. With Machine Learning and reinforcement learning, AI can make decisions while learning algorithms and predictions without being specifically programmed for each step.

Another example is imagining you have a talented chef who loves making pizza. You, the head chef, teach them how to make the perfect pizza by showing the correct ratios of ingredients, how to knead the dough, and what temperature to cook the pizza.

As time goes on, the talented chef becomes skilled by the day, so now they are able to create pizzas with different ingredients, flavors, and crunchiness levels that they have never used before.

This is how Machine Learning works. Computers are instructed using basic examples and data. They then take this data and are capable of creating new trends and discovering new ways to solve a problem, even when confronted with a problem they have never encountered before.

How Machine Learning Powers Our World

Machine Learning is becoming more a part of our lives on a daily basis, possibly without us even realizing it! For example, large companies such as Amazon utilize AI in their products such as Alexa. Even suggestions of movies and shows that populate when you pull up a streaming service such as Netflix or Hulu is a way that Machine Learning is implemented in real life. Apple has also been jumping on the AI train for quite some time with Siri! If you look hard enough, artificial intelligence and automation is just about everywhere.

How Machine Learning Impacts Kids' Lives

Machine Learning is actively becoming a part of kids' daily lives. Anything from utilizing online learning apps, to video streaming platforms suggesting shows, AI promotes the effectiveness of systems and procedures which can be helpful educational tools.

As Machine Learning algorithms learn from their user, it starts to become more adept at making recommendations for that individual kid. An example of this is utilizing an AI tool online to help teach kids a new language or math. AI can use technology to seek their weak spots and create a program to strengthen those weak spots.

How Machine Learning Can be Used in Creative Ways

How can Machine Learning help increase children's creativity? Children can invent new games, create art, music, and fashion to their liking. They are now capable of taking their learning further than their own teachers' abilities. With AI driven learning tools, children can choose to learn a number of different things they may not have originally had access too. This includes topics such as coding, creating online games, etc.

Children Paving the Way in the World of Machine Learning

Some inspiring stories of children getting creative with AI in the real-world include kid innovators, such as a young girl named Anvitha Vijay, a ten-year-old American girl who developed a note-taking app showcased on the App Store.

Another incredible 12-year-old kid named Arnav Sharma from the UK created a tool using AI to improve the accuracy and speed of eye tests. These kids are the next generation of AI and will likely surpass everyone's expectations.

Preparing Kids for the Future: Why Learn Machine Learning

The future of Machine Learning and opportunities go hand in hand. Obtaining skills in Machine Learning will be similar to possessing a special key to unlock new skills and navigate the future of technology. This type of technology can:

• Improve healthcare

• Innovate new ways of teaching children (such as using chatbots)

• Write reports (using an AI machine such as Chatgpt)

• Help solve problems that humans have stumbled upon in the past

Career Opportunities in the Field of AI systems and Machine Learning

Although some believe AI is here to take their jobs, AI can very easily create just as many.

Some career opportunities include industries such as:

• Healthcare: Procuring AI systems and machines to perform surgeries.

• Technology: Developing algorithms to continue to grow AI.

• Research and Data: Data specialists and AI specialists to continue R&D for further production of AI.

Juni Learning's Approach to Teaching Machine Learning and Computer Science

Juni Learning is currently utilizing this incredible Machine Learning approach in the curriculum for kids through step-by-step, supervised learning. One way is through the launch of Acelt, our AI-powered online study tool which helps teens prep for the ACT and SAT. Acelt explains answers step-by-step, aiding kids with tricky questions.

AI technology curates a program for each individual to get assistance with the areas they struggle with the most, such as challenging topics like computer science, data science and coding, making it so that kids don’t feel like they are trying to learn a new language like German when they only speak English! If we start to notice regression, we step in immediately and break each subject down further so that the student obtains the most knowledge and acquires deep learning.

How does Juni Learning keep Machine Learning fun? Simple. Through programs such as Acelt, students can utilize help through the chat feature, which caters to each child's responses based on their deep learning style. This ensures a longer attention span when studying for an exam as large as the SAT/ACT.

Success Stories from Juni Learning Students

Students that work with Juni Learning are constantly standing out with new challenges. One inspiring creator that has made strides with Machine Learning and computer science is Adam, age 12, who created a video game built for touch. He learned how to code and create his own game to showcase to the real-world, making him have great potential to create his very own startups in the future.

Hayley C, 13 years old, was a part of Junis deep learning systems with data science and computer science, and took some of the games she had coded in the Python Level 2 course to create her own games using data structures she learned in the course. She is an inspiring example of taking what she learned and applying it in her own unique way in real-time! She just might be the next Apple or Microsoft creator!

The importance of AI and Machine Learning for the Future

Juni Learning’s transformative approach to using Machine Learning and AI is paving a way for success stories for young minds while demystifying AI at the same time. This technology is not only revolutionizing multiple industries, but influencing how quickly we progress in many areas. As our world moves more into a data driven era, obtaining AI systems and Machine Learning skills will be paramount to future success.

For families who are enthusiastic about embarking on this journey, Juni Learning offers a vibrant platform that promotes exploration into the domains of AI systems, Machine Learning and computer science. Our curriculum, which captivates and inspires young learners, empowers them to grasp these ideas through tangible sessions, cultivating a resourceful mindset.

Through engaging with Juni Learning, parents can equip their children with a head start, ensuring they will be set up for success and thrive in the technology-driven future that awaits. Juni Learning extends an invitation to embrace the future, nurturing an ardor for education that will produce long lasting results and inspire creative minds such as your own child!

Sources

Brown, Sara. “Machine Learning, explained.” MIT Sloan, 21 April 2021, https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/machine-learning-explained.

“Inspiring Stories of Kids Using Technology.” myFirst, https://www.myfirst.tech/blog/inspiring-stories-of-kids-using-technology-to-change-the-world/.

“A Teaching Quality Evaluation Model for Preschool Teachers Based on Deep Learning | International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET).” Online-Journals.org, 12 February 2021, https://online-journals.org/index.php/i-jet/article/view/20471.