An Insight into Uses, Benefits and Challenges of Integrating AI in Early Childhood Education

Traditional learning methods are witnessing several changes due to the potential use of AI in early childhood education (ECE). This necessitates the introduction of innovative methodologies that could enhance teaching and learning experiences. This literature review aims to explore the various uses, benefits, and challenges associated with AI in ECE. It suggests specific strategies to guide educators and policymakers in maximizing its potential benefits. Many applications of AI technologies, such as educational robots, interactive chatbots, and gamified learning tools, can be used to support cognitive and emotional development in ECE. Even though educators were optimistic about the ability of AI to enrich educational practices, they still raised concerns about its implications on the teaching profession and the ethical concerns surrounding the interactions of early learners with AI. Some important challenges include concerns about effective AI adoption in schools, concerns over AI’s impact on child development and learning, as well as ethical considerations. Hence, such a situation necessitates following some strategies to safeguard the effective use of AI. One of these strategies includes the development of comprehensive AI literacy that is child-centered, culturally sensitive, and catered to diverse learning needs. Moreover, it is important to ensure ethical access to AI by preventing exclusion, enhancing fair access to AI, and ensuring robust data protection via privacy frameworks. Safe AI use is also vital to its adoption. Recommendations for future research have been outlined.