Exploring the Direction of Early Childhood Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence : Delphi Analysis of a Group of Experts

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the direction of early childhood education for fostering future human resources in the age of artificial intelligence. For this study, the Delphi survey was conducted on 14 experts engaged in related fields such as artificial intelligence, early childhood education, and convergence education. The study was conducted in a paper-type standard Delphi survey and was conducted in a total of 3 rounds. The degree of agreement was judged based on the analysis of the degree of agreement and the degree of convergence of the Delphi 3rd survey results. As a result of the study, it was agreed that education using storytelling technology (SIRI: Speech Interpretation and Recognition Interface) is possible for young children. In addition, it was agreed that teacher education such as basic education on understanding the concept of artificial intelligence, how and how to use artificial intelligence, ethical aspects of education, and artificial intelligence education suitable for infant development is possible. In addition, a high level of agreement was reached with the opinion that artificial intelligence education through play should be realized and that physical and economic support for artificial intelligence education is required. Through this study, the importance and necessity of artificial intelligence education in early childhood education was confirmed. In addition, It was derived that the development of early childhood education programs and teacher education programs should be prioritized and that both policy and social support were required in order for effective AI education to be implemented. It is expected that the results of this study will be used as basic data to set the right direction for AI education and to develop educational programs related to AI education.