In Russia, they plan to introduce courses on the use of artificial intelligence and information security for schoolchildren. The pilot project will launch in the Moscow Region on the instructions of President Vladimir Putin. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyov have been appointed responsible for implementing the project. The new courses will become part of school curricula.
Experts believe that teaching children to work with AI is an important step in training personnel for the IT industry. However, it is important to prevent dependence on technology, so the approach to teaching must be well thought out.
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Experts propose building the training program around practical activity. The courses should include work with generative models, machine learning, and prompt engineering.
In addition, it is important to pay attention to AI ethics, responsibility for its use, and data analysis. Schoolchildren should understand how artificial intelligence solves tasks in different areas.
A relevant area
Information security training is a key module of the courses. Almost half of teenagers do not understand what cybersecurity is. Therefore, the main risks and methods of protection need to be explained already at school.
Special attention should be paid to recognizing online fraud and protecting personal data. Students should understand what data can be transmitted to neural networks and how to protect their devices.
Phased engagement
Expert opinions differ on the age at which training should begin. Some believe that the basics of information security can be introduced from the moment children get gadgets. Others suggest starting from the age of 12.
According to our study "Adults and Children on the Internet," about a quarter (26%) of schoolchildren over the age of 10 already use neural networks, including for doing homework.
It is important to adapt the program to the age of the students. In primary school, introductory lessons can be held about areas of AI application, while in higher grades students can work with AI agents.
Long-term planning
The introduction of courses on AI and information security is part of the state's long-term strategy for digital independence. This will make it possible to create a foundation for training personnel in the IT industry and reduce the adaptation period at universities.
School education will give applicants real skills, which will accelerate their professional development. This will allow Russia to build up its personnel reserve in the IT and information security industries more quickly.
A delicate matter
Children should be introduced to AI with caution. Excessively active use of neural networks can reduce critical thinking and create dependence on technology.
Schoolchildren need to be taught to verify information, recognize the so-called hallucinations of neural networks, and verify content. Children already know how to write basic prompts; now it is necessary to develop the skill of conscious and responsible use of the tool.
Assignments should be designed so that students use AI as a tool, not as a substitute for their own reasoning. It is important to cultivate a culture of conscious work with technology.
Active preparation
Teachers do not yet have sufficient competencies to teach AI. Therefore, before launching the courses, it is necessary to conduct retraining for them.
The IT business can help teachers master the necessary skills. For training, a basic set of tools that exists in most schools is sufficient.
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