Intelligence Augmentation in Early Childhood Education: A Multimodal Creative Inquiry Approach

Abstract

This paper explores the intersection of early childhood education and AI, with a focus on promoting play, imagination, and creativity. The post-digital era has made technology a constant presence in our lives, and AI has enabled new and innovative ways of interacting with technology. However, it's important to ensure that the use of AI in early childhood education aligns with the core principles of early childhood pedagogy. Intelligence augmentation (IA) can play a significant role in promoting multimodal creative inquiry among young students, supporting critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Drawing from practitioner research in preschool settings, we explore the potential of an AI-powered music-making tool to promote creativity and self-expression. The human-in-the-loop approach is crucial in aligning AI integration with early childhood pedagogy, ensuring that technology is used to support, rather than replace, teachers' role in the classroom. The paper highlights the importance of maintaining a human presence in the learning process to create educational experiences that are developmentally appropriate and transformative for young children.