January, 2026

Why is learning about AI so important in supporting our children?

AI already is in our daily lives

You likely already have more experience using AI tools than you know. They have become part of our daily lives for quite some time. We can describe any technology that predicts an outcome based on large sets of data as a form of artificial intelligence. For example, a streaming service platform recommending a new movie to you makes a prediction based on your past viewing history and patterns among wider groups of viewers. A map tool gives you navigational directions that predict the best route based on data from other drivers. What other AI-powered tools might you have already used?

What is a Chatbot?

Chatbot—A computer program that simulates a conversation with human users, typically through typed text in a software application.

Common AI Chatbots People Use Every Day

1️  Siri
 Found on iPhones and iPads
 Helps answer questions, send texts, set alarms, and check the weather 

2️  Alexa
 Found on Amazon Echo and other smart speakers
 Plays music, tells the time, answers questions, and controls smart home devices 

3️  Google Assistant
 Found on Android phones and Google devices
 Helps search the internet, set reminders, and get directions 

4️  ChatGPT
 Found on websites and apps
 Helps with writing, homework ideas, and answering questions 

5️  Customer service chatbots
 Found on store and company websites (like Target or Walmart)
 Help track orders, handle returns, and answer questions 

6️  Banking chatbots
 Found in bank apps (like Bank of America’s Erica)
 Help check balances and track spending 

7️ School chatbots
 Found in learning apps (like Duolingo or Khan Academy helpers or MathSpace)
 Help students practice skills and learn new topics 

8️  Healthcare chatbots
 Found on doctor or insurance websites
 Help schedule appointments and answer basic health questions 

9️  Travel chatbots
 Found on airline and hotel websites (like Expedia or airline apps)
 Help book trips and check travel updates 

10  Social media chatbots
 Found in apps like Facebook Messenger
 Help answer questions or provide customer support 

How AI Chatbots are Developed

AI chatbots are created through several steps. First, developers collect data. This data helps the AI learn what different words, sentences, or answers mean. Next, they study the data and find patterns or make predictions.

After that, human developers train the model. They improve it by adding new data, changing settings, or rewarding the model when it gives good answers. During training, the AI learns by updating itself again and again so it can give better responses over time.

Once training is finished, developers test the model with new data to make sure it works well and gives accurate answers. Finally, they use the AI model to create software applications, like chatbots, that people can easily use.

Developing AI chatbots usually costs a lot of money, so large companies often lead this work. Many companies release chatbots for free at first so users can test them. The feedback and data from users help improve the AI even more 

Human Language and AI Language

Language is a key part of human life. People use it to think, express ideas, and connect with others. Because of this, AI tools that generate language can strongly affect how we understand the purpose of language.

Human language is more than sharing information. When people write or speak, they explore their thoughts, express feelings, and build relationships—things AI cannot truly do (Diogenes, 2023). AI chatbots can be helpful by saving time and providing information, but they are mainly tools for efficiency.

If language is seen only as a way to quickly share information, students may rely too much on AI to do their work, and teachers may question the value of reading and writing. In education, creating language helps students learn more deeply and develop their own voices.

Chatbots can support learning, but they should enhance human thinking, not replace it.

Adapted from Stanford Teaching Commons ( https://teachingcommons.stanford.edu/teaching-guides/artificial-intelligence-teaching-guide/defining-ai-and-chatbots )