At a time when announcements of massive investment in Artificial Intelligence are multiplying, when every country is seeking to develop its AI “national champion”, and when digital training initiatives are flourishing at all levels of education, it’s time to step back and question our educational priorities.
The headlong rush to “all digital
Today, we’re witnessing a veritable race to the bottom in the field of AI. The USA, China and Europe are all announcing investment plans that are more ambitious than the last. This effervescence is logically reflected in the field of education, with an increasing number of initiatives aimed at training future generations in digital technologies.
There’s no shortage of examples, from the distribution of iPads in certain regions, to the creation of specialized AI courses starting in high school, and the proliferation of code training courses. These initiatives, though well-intentioned, raise a fundamental question: aren’t we putting the cart before the horse?
A disturbing paradox
At the same time as we are stepping up plans for digital equipment and training in cutting-edge technologies, national and international surveys are revealing an alarming fact: the level of French pupils in the basic subjects – reading, writing and arithmetic – is steadily falling.
The irony of the situation will not escape anyone: computer science, and a fortiori Artificial Intelligence, rely precisely on these fundamental skills. How can we hope to train high-performance developers if they have trouble understanding a complex statement? How can we tackle advanced AI concepts without a solid grasp of mathematics?
The programmed obsolescence of technical skills
There’s something paradoxical about wanting to train schoolchildren in AI when we’re unable to predict what this technology will be like in ten years’ time, when these same students will be entering the job market. Recent events have shown us just how rapid and unpredictable the evolution of AI is: what was cutting-edge six months ago is already considered obsolete today.
On the other hand, some skills are timeless:
- The ability to read and understand complex texts
- Ability to express oneself clearly, both orally and in writing
- Logical and mathematical reasoning
- The ability to structure thought and argument
These fundamental skills are not only long-lasting, but also form the foundation on which all future learning, whether technological or not, can be built.
Preparing for the future
In a world where the only certainty is change, the best preparation we can offer future generations is not mastery of a specific technology, but the ability to learn and adapt constantly.
This adaptability is based on solid fundamentals:
- Excellent reading comprehension, enabling rapid assimilation of new information
- Clear written expression, essential for effective communication
- Logical and structured thinking, the basis of all problem solving
- A solid mathematical foundation for analytical thinking
Towards a balanced approach
This is not to reject digital or AI education. These technologies are an integral part of our world and will continue to play a crucial role in the future. But their teaching must be based on solid foundations, and not replace fundamental learning.
Here are some concrete proposals for a more balanced approach:
Focus on teaching the fundamentals
- Increase the time devoted to reading and writing
- Reinforce logical and mathematical reasoning skills
- Develop analytical and synthesis skills
Gradually integrating digital technology
- Use digital tools to support fundamental learning
- Introduce IT concepts gradually
- Emphasize understanding of principles rather than mastery of specific tools
Developing critical thinking skills
- Learn to assess the relevance and reliability of information
- Developing the ability to argue and debate
- Encouraging creativity and innovation
Conclusion
The current enthusiasm for AI and digital technology must not make us lose sight of what’s essential: the primary mission of education is to give students the intellectual tools that will enable them to learn and adapt throughout their lives.
Technologies evolve, professions change, but fundamental skills remain the indispensable foundation of all professional and personal success. Before we train our students in the latest technological advances, let’s make sure they have mastered these essential foundations, which will enable them to adapt to future developments, whatever they may be.
The challenge is not to choose between tradition and modernity, but to build an education that will enable future generations to master their destiny in a constantly changing world. And that starts with the basics: reading, writing, counting… and thinking.
Leave a Reply