Today’s data-driven tools can make many aspects of our personal lives less time-consuming, because they present us with options and even make decisions for us. By relying on predictive text features, we write messages more quickly and outsource our word choices. By using music and film recommendations, we outsource our personal taste. And by using AI chatbots that produce confident answers to every single one of our questions, we outsource our thinking.

Of course, I use and enjoy all of these products. But because I grew up before data-driven tools existed, I also know the accidental delights of exploring a city without a smartphone map, the joy of thoughtfully choosing a gift for a friend, and the satisfaction of comparing insurance quotes and understanding their details. These non-AI-assisted acts exercise my critical thinking skills — something that is harder to do in a world where AI products promise so much convenience.

Critical thinking is even more vital now in the age of AI. The brand-new issue of Hello World — and our new podcast mini series — offers research, advice, and practical resources for teaching young people, and ourselves, to think critically.

Critical thinking in the age of AI

In issue 30 we share articles from educators who have already been thinking deeply about the role of critical thinking in the age of AI. They discuss a range of questions such as:
What do educators bring to the table when teaching with digital technologies?
Why AI professional learning should build teachers’ critical thinking, not just their confidence in using tools
Whose knowledge is shaping AI?

Our feature articles also include:
• Managing cognitive load for deeper thinking
• AI systems in assessment
• Promoting human decision-making

From the team at the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) in the USA we have an article about their newly rewritten CSTA K–12 Standards, a research-backed framework designed to prepare students for a future that seems to be arriving very fast on some days. As their article says:

“AI can generate answers instantly, but understanding and evaluating answers still
requires human judgement. In a world moving at supersonic speed, CS education needs to find a new balance. Students must learn to think critically so they can direct AI rather than being directed by it.” – Amanda O’Mara, Smita Kolhatkar, and Tiffany Jones in Hello World issue 30

Download Hello World issue 30 for free

Developing critical thinking skills is important for young people, regardless of the discipline you teach. In the age of AI, computing education is uniquely situated to cultivate this mindset, encouraging students to engage more thoughtfully with the AI tools they use daily.

Also in issue 30:
• Flatgames
• Predictive classroom systems
• A physics meets technology project

And much, much more.

Let us know which articles you found most helpful for your teaching or which resources you tried out by sending us a message or tagging us on social media.

Thank you to Oracle for sponsoring this issue of Hello World.