Introducing school teachers who are using AI
The use of AI in education has sparked debate, with differing opinions on whether it should be adopted or avoided in the classroom.
Fox – 5 New York
Artificial intelligence is already transforming everything from everyday things like how we search the internet to profound endeavors like scientific advances. So for parents concerned about how their children will grow up and thrive in society, a future shaped by AI can seem overwhelming.
New insights from companies specializing in online education and training solutions shed light on some of these concerns. The Penn Foster Group, whose members include Penn Foster High School, Penn Foster Career School, and New York College of Photography, surveyed more than 500 parents of high school students in December to learn more about how Americans think about this uncertain future.
Parents are questioning whether the educational paths that have provided generations of Americans are right for their children in an increasingly automated future and are rethinking what success looks like after high school, a survey finds.
“Parents are recognizing that the jobs in which their children compete may be very different than those of the past,” Tice Rylo, Penn Foster’s chief product officer, said in a release. “They are looking for educational pathways that help students develop lasting, transferable skills that can evolve with technology.”
Key findings from the survey include: 55% of parents say they are worried about whether their children are ready for an AI-driven job market. And while 84% once thought their child would go to college, 37% say AI has changed that expectation. Meanwhile, a whopping 89% say their child can build a long-term career without a four-year degree.
With that in mind, it may not be surprising for parents to consider college alternatives. Half say they encourage technical and digital skills, and 22% say they are considering an apprenticeship or certificate. About 41% said they would like to immediately join the workforce or work as an apprentice.
In remarks shared with USA TODAY, Penn Foster Group CEO Kermit Cook acknowledged parents’ concerns.
Cook said that while AI is changing many aspects of work, “AI will not replace human judgement, problem-solving, and adaptability. Education that builds these skills, along with digital and technical capabilities, will help learners succeed at work by leveraging AI as a tool rather than a threat.”
