Learning AI at Home: How Families Can Grow Together in the Age of Smart Technologies
Authors: Teddy Kim; info@ciddl.org
Why Families Matter in the Age of AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a constant presence in our homes, whether through voice assistants such as Alexa and Siri, or recommendation systems on YouTube and Netflix. As these technologies become more deeply embedded in family life, it’s increasingly important to understand how children—and their caregivers—can learn about AI together in meaningful, critical, and empowering ways.
Druga and colleagues (2022) explored how children and parents engage with AI side by side. The researchers collaborated with 15 diverse families over five weeks, providing interactive learning sessions designed to foster not only technical understanding but also ethical awareness, creativity, and collaborative inquiry.
Many Roles of Parents
One of the most significant insights from the study was the range of roles that parents played throughout the sessions. Importantly, they didn’t need to be AI experts. Their presence, curiosity, and support were what mattered most.
The study identifies that parents play a variety of roles in supporting AI literacy learning, defining nine key roles as follows:
1. Cheerleader: Provides emotional support and encourages the child’s participation.
- Example: “It’s okay. You can do it your way.”
2. Mediator: Helps coordinate activities among siblings or explains the goals and instructions of the activity.
- Example: “You need to talk to each other about this.”
3. Mentor: Encourages deeper thinking and helps the child clearly understand AI concepts.
- Example: “How would you describe that?”
4. Student: Learns AI concepts or tool usage from the child.
- Example: “So that’s how Siri works? I didn’t know that!”
5. Teacher: Explains new concepts and practices, and teaches how to utilize AI tools.
- Example: “Pi is a mathematical term. You use it to define the area or circumference of a circle.”
6. Observer: Allows the child to work independently, stepping in only when needed.
- Example: “Okay, now it’s my turn.”
7. Tinkerer: Actively engages in experimenting with AI, trying to break, fix, or test how it works.
- Example: “What if you say it louder—will it work then?”
8. Collaborator: Participates like a peer, actively engaging in the activity and exchanging ideas.
- Example: “I don’t think many corals would be categorized as smooth. That’s just my thought.”
9. Ethics Guide (Not formally defined as a separate role, but observed across activities): Encourages ethical thinking when designing or using AI, highlighting issues such as privacy and bias.
- Example: “I’m a little concerned about storing biometric data—can we find another way?”
These roles were not rigid or assigned; instead, they were flexible and adaptable. They shifted fluidly depending on the activity, the child’s age, and the family dynamic. What remained consistent, however, was the importance of active engagement. When parents were involved, learning became more in-depth and comprehensive.
The Home as a “Third Space” for Learning
This study embraces the concept of the family home as a “third space”—a bridge between formal schooling and personal experience. It’s a place where both children and adults can explore, question, and co-construct their understanding of AI. In this space, learning becomes not only more accessible but also more transformative.
Rather than passively consuming technology, families in this study imagined better futures. Children proposed designing AI systems that are more inclusive, transparent, and fun. Parents helped make these visions practical, safe, and ethically grounded. The result was a shared experience of discovery that was rooted in conversation, creativity, and trust.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Be an Expert
One of the most reassuring messages from this research is that you don’t have to be a computer scientist to help your child navigate AI. You need to be present, curious, and open to learning together.
Ask questions. Reflect out loud. Try things side by side. Make room for mistakes. Laugh when the AI gets it wrong. Wonder together why it did. By doing so, you’re not only helping your child become more informed and confident with technology, but also fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability. You’re building a deeper, more resilient relationship where both of you feel empowered to navigate the digital world around you.
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