Artificial intelligence will change your child’s life – but not in the way you think

I have seen the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence.

When I work with schools to integrate AI, I am sometimes asked to do a session with students. In recent sessions with high school students in California, New York, and the United Kingdom, they leveraged artificial intelligence to create a support group of virtual assistants. From virtual tutors and sleep coaches to careers advisors, study partners and holiday planners, the possibilities these students have explored are both inspiring and revelatory.

When given the tools to adapt AI, students naturally begin to create their own support organizations. This change is not just technological. There is a leap towards developing basic business skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

These skills include evaluating results, managing teams, communicating effectively, making decisions, thinking creatively, questioning and taking decisive action based on data.

Business Skills in Action

Creating and using these AI assistants requires business acumen. Students must rate the effectiveness of their AI assistants. They must be continuously improved based on feedback and performance data. This assessment process sharpens their analytical skills.

Managing a team of AI assistants teaches students the importance of delegation and team management. They learn to clearly communicate their needs and expectations. This experience is invaluable. It reflects the real need of leadership and collaboration with diverse groups.

Decision making is another critical skill that students develop. Choosing which AI assistants to build, determining their functionalities, and making improvements based on the results are all decisions that require careful consideration. This decision-making process is enhanced by creative thinking. Students must innovate and find unique solutions to the challenges they face.

Questioning and taking action are the final pieces of the puzzle. Encouraging students to ask the right questions and seek new information fosters a culture of continuous learning. Acting on the answers they find is key to making meaningful changes and improvements.

It’s All About Enterprise

Our current educational systems are too often focused on memorization and the acquisition of vast amounts of knowledge. Success does not depend on knowing everything. Leaders know this. To a large extent, it depends on the ability to effectively use a team — whether human or virtual.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, predicted that we will soon see the first $1 billion one-person business. This single person will be able to achieve this goal because they will have a team of artificial intelligence working with them. This prediction highlights the enormous potential of artificial intelligence to enhance individual abilities and achieve unprecedented success.

Centuries ago, owning land was the measure of success. As the movement to cities and the rise of industry took place, capital and labor became the main drivers of economic achievement. Today you can start a business with just a laptop in a coffee shop. Entrepreneurial ability has become the most critical success factor. Innovation, creativity and the ability to harness technology are paramount. Those who can adapt, think creatively and collaborate with AI will thrive.

By shifting the focus of education towards developing entrepreneurial skills, we can better prepare students for life. This approach not only aligns with the realities of the modern workplace, but could also foster a more engaging and dynamic learning environment.

A call to action for educators

I am constantly amazed by the ingenuity and adaptability of the students.

They not only learn about technology but also develop the business skills that will drive their future success. It is time for our education systems to recognize this shift and prepare students accordingly. The future belongs to those who can build and lead teams, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to enhance their capabilities and achieve their goals.

Sam Altman’s prediction is a call to action for educators to equip students with the skills they need to thrive.