#0072: Learning AI from Forests!

Reading time: 6.40 min

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Unlike traditional education, where students are typically grouped based on age, worldschooling emphasizes mixed-age grouping as a fundamental aspect of its educational philosophy.

The worldschooling approach is rooted in the belief that children benefit greatly from interacting with peers of different ages and stages of development.

In contrast, traditional education often promotes homogenous groupings that segregate students based on age and grade level.

This can limit opportunities for socialization, peer mentorship, and customized learning.

Children naturally learn from each other in a mixed-age setting, driven by curiosity rather than a sense of competition.

Older children develop leadership qualities and foster relationships with their younger peers, while younger children are inspired by the diverse array of interests and talents they encounter.

Anthropologists report that children in hunter-gatherer cultures spend most of their daylight hours playing and exploring and that they necessarily do so in broadly age-mixed groups.

Hunter-gatherer bands are small, composed of twenty to forty individuals including children, and individual women in such bands typically give birth only once every four years. So even if children wanted to play with others of their own age, they would rarely find more than one or two such playmates available and often none at all.

A typical group playing together in a hunter-gather band might consist of half a dozen kids ranging in age from two to twelve, or seven to seventeen. Such age mixing in children’s play would probably have occurred during 99 percent of our species history when we were still hunter-gatherers. Our prehuman ancestors typically engaged in age-mixed play as well. - The Special Value of Children’s Age-Mixed Play by Peter Gray

My friend Andreas talks about life-centric learning approaches and how they can be more effective than the conventional work-centric model.

In a life-centric model, learning is not limited to formal education or career advancement.

It encompasses all aspects of life, including personal growth, relationships, hobbies, and self-care.

This approach emphasizes the importance of balance and well-being rather than solely focusing on productivity and success.

One of the main benefits of a life-centric approach is that it allows individuals to discover their passions and interests rather than just following societal norms or expectations.

It encourages self-exploration and personal development, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Another advantage is that a life-centric approach recognizes the importance of work-life balance.

It prioritizes personal time and self-care, improving mental and physical health.

However, transitioning from a work-centric to a life-centric model may take time and effort. It requires a shift in mindset and societal norms. But as more and more people embrace this approach, it will become the new norm.

Maria and Joana, currently worldschooling in Bansko, were part of the AI Bootcamp in Kosovo.

I asked their mom, Daniela, about their learning experience at the AI Bootcamp and how it has impacted their daily lives.

In a way, we came across the AI class in the forest, rather than in an innovation hub.

Daniela was very kind to share her thoughts with me and explained how the AI Bootcamp has opened up new possibilities for their family.

How do you feel about Maria and Joana learning? What difference has it made in their lives now, and how was their education before this?

The first difference is in their general attitude to AI. When they started, quite like most people who are ignorant about something - they were a bit prejudiced.

I remember Maria asked questions about the boundaries of AI - where starts and finishes AI? Who defines how it operates? Why do people talk about the dangers so often?

But then they started to understand that Arta is showing them valuable tools and examples of AI solutions that improve lives.

As a parent from the "conveyor belt" generation, freedom and independence are of the highest value in the perspective of my kids' lives.

The sooner you get to know AI and implement it in your learning and personal development, the better your life with more opportunities and free time.

Yes, after several sessions, they still cannot freely use every AI tool, but they already KNOW that AI can help, and they ASK. This is the significant difference before and after the sessions - they now know that excellent tools exist, and it is only a matter of time before they use them more. Read more here

What unique AI skills will kids and teens learn at your introductory session?

• Using AI tools to boost their education, careers, and lives in the first 10 minutes.

• They will discover that AI is not just for techies

• In addition to AI, our sessions focus on the essential human skills 
  

• The AI Introduction session for kids & teens will be held in person in Bansko on Oct 7, 2023 at 11:00 AM. Sign up here to attend.
  If you are not based in Bansko, but interested in the AI program, sign up here to learn more about remotely.

  
  Arta Statovci, a passionate expert in AI and education, conducts AI sessions with MaNaBu. She has a unique way of presenting complex topics into understandable and intriguing concepts. Her sessions are designed to teach and inspire young people and ignite their curiosity about AI.

AI from Forests