Kids today and the rise of AI: Shaping the future of learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how children live, work, and learn. Today’s kids are growing up with AI integrated into their everyday experiences through smart devices, educational platforms, and video games, making them active participants in an AI-driven world.
AI refers to systems that perform tasks requiring human intelligence, like recognising patterns, understanding language, and decision-making. As technology advances, AI becomes more embedded in children's daily activities, enhancing their user experiences.
Hayley Markham, co-founder of Code Camp, is a passionate advocate for integrating tech education into young learners' lives. She believes that early exposure to AI can inspire creativity and innovation, equipping kids to use the power of technology.
5 Reasons why kids should learn AI
- AI shapes future careers: AI skills are becoming increasingly important in today’s world. AI now gives kids a head start in future job markets, making them well-prepared for careers in tech, healthcare, and beyond.
- Encourages creativity: AI empowers children to think outside the box and solve real-world problems in creative ways, allowing them to turn their imaginative ideas into reality.
- Teaches problem-solving: AI challenges kids to tackle complex problems, teaching them to approach issues logically and come up with innovative solutions.
- Makes learning fun: With hands-on AI activities, kids can learn in a playful, engaging way that keeps them motivated and curious.
- Develops tech literacy for daily life: Since AI is integrated into everyday devices and services, understanding how AI works helps children better navigate the world around them and make informed tech-related decisions.
Preparing for the future
As AI continues to evolve, it’s crucial for parents and educators to help children navigate this landscape. Providing resources, encouraging discussions, and fostering supportive learning environments are essential. Since 2013, Code Camp has inspired more than 200,000 kids across Australia and the UK to unleash imaginative ideas through technology. At Code Camp, we offer engaging hands-on AI projects that equip kids with the practical skills and confidence they need to thrive in an AI-driven world.
Click here to learn more about our AI camps for kids.
Your Ultimate school holidays activity list
1. Get creative with Minions
What is it?
Kids go bananas for Minions (pun intended) and these school holidays they can express their fandom making a Minions movie using stop-motion animation techniques. Over 2 days, kids create their own Minions clay characters and design their own film set. The magic begins when they see their characters come to life by taking multiple images of objects and stitching them together to look like they’re moving! - It’s incredibly fun!
Why go?
If they watch their favourite animated movies on repeat, they’ll love creating Minions clay figurines and developing their own story, taking lots of still frames and stitching them together to create their very first movie!
Ages: 5-7
2. Become a DJ
What is it?
Children will take their first steps into the exciting world of mixing music to create their own DJ set.
Why go?
Kids will love mixing their favourite pop tunes using beat matching and transitions on real DJ decks. Plus, they will design their own DJ brand, develop branded merch, and even perform a DJ set to their friends!
Ages: 8-13
3. Pilot a drone
What is it?
Kids learn to pilot a drone using coding to design a flight path and watch in wonder as the drone takes flight!
Why go?
If your kid shows an interest in drones, they can learn more than just the basics of flying. Kids get a taste of cutting-edge technology and learn about coding, problem-solving, engineering, design, and more. They’ll learn about drone tech and safety, movie making, and discover how drones have a positive social impact when used to fight bushfires, rescue koalas, spot sharks on the coast and loads more!
Ages: 9-13
4. Become a YouTuber
What is it?
While they may not end up with YouTube stardom, we’re sure kids will have a new lens on screen time. They will be equipped with the skills to start producing and directing their own ideas instead of simply watching other people's! Plus, they’ll gain confidence ‘performing’ in front of audiences and on set and importantly, learn about staying safe online.
Why go?
Taking a YouTube fixation and turning it into something incredibly productive where kids will learn planning, storytelling, filming and video editing to become the star in their very own YouTube-style videos.
Ages: 8-13
5. Produce a LEGO movie
What is it?
Turn hours of playing with LEGO characters into an even more creative pursuit, by teaching kids to create their own LEGO Movie.
Why go?
They can use their favourite LEGO characters and sets, come up with a fun storyline and use stop-motion techniques to produce a short animation film. It will transform the way they play at home and offer endless hours of creativity for the rest of the holidays.
Ages: 7-12
6. Code a game
What is it?
Kids can design their own arcade-style video games (like Super Mario Bros), jam-packed with cool characters like zombies and unicorns, and awesome gaming features such as invisibility cloaks and shrinking potions. They’ll learn drag and drop code and logic to connect all the design elements together and bring their games to life!
Why go?
Kids are spending countless hours on Roblox and Minecraft these days. Get them to spark their creative side instead, by producing their own original games, using a combination of creative level design, storytelling and problem-solving to bring their creations to life. It’s so much fun, they won’t realise they are actually learning some very important coding and tech skills for their future.
Ages: 7-12
7. Develop a Website
What is it?
For kids with some proficiency in coding, they’ll create their own website from scratch about an animal, movie, sporting team or their favourite topic.
Why go?
With 1.93 billion websites on the world wide web, developers are in higher demand than ever before. It’s a great head start to gain fundamental web building skills and your kids will have so much fun in the process.