Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming educational landscapes worldwide, introducing tailored learning experiences and enhancing operational efficiency.

Industry analysts anticipate that the market for AI-driven educational resources will expand from $2.5 billion in 2022 to $6 billion by the end of 2025, reflecting the growing reliance on technology in educational settings.

A recent report indicates that 44 percent of children currently utilize AI technology, with 54 percent incorporating it into school assignments.

Teachers are also integrating AI into their practices, with 60 percent leveraging the technology to streamline their tasks and improve educational outcomes.

In Saudi Arabia, governmental initiatives highlight the nation's commitment to AI development.

Established in 2019, the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence aims to enhance innovation across various sectors, including education.

Local educators express optimism about the potential of AI to enrich learning experiences.

Faleh bin Saad Al-Huqbani, director of Al-Muqaddimah Schools in Riyadh, described AI’s capacity for customizing educational content to align with students' individual paces and learning styles.

This personalized approach aids in simplifying complex concepts and enhancing engagement through interactive, gamified environments.

AI also serves to alleviate administrative burdens on teachers, enabling them to dedicate more time to direct student engagement.

Tools for automated grading, lesson planning, and data analysis are increasingly commonplace in classrooms.

However, the advantages of AI in education are met with caution from some experts, particularly concerning its implications for young children's cognitive development.

Dr. Sultan Ayoub Meo, a professor at the College of Medicine at King Saud University, emphasizes the critical nature of early childhood development, underscoring that excessive reliance on AI and digital devices may lead to adverse effects.

He articulates that the period from birth to age five is pivotal for brain growth and the acquisition of foundational cognitive skills.

Dr. Meo recommends limiting AI applications for children under six years old, asserting that this stage is vital for developing essential physiological and cognitive systems.

Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding potential health risks linked to prolonged exposure to AI-enabled devices.

These include behavioral and psychological challenges that may arise from excess usage, particularly considering the impacts of electromagnetic fields generated by such devices.

Despite these warnings, the integration of AI in educational contexts is perceived by many as indispensable.

Dr. Meo acknowledges the significant role of AI in higher education, recognizing its ability to enhance accessibility to knowledge and facilitate lifelong learning, which is crucial for preparing students for the demands of a transforming job market.

Nonetheless, he highlights the necessity of a discerning approach to incorporating AI, advocating for its primacy in higher education while stressing the importance of maintaining traditional forms of learning in primary education.

Support for a balanced educational strategy that harmonizes technology with conventional teaching methods resonates among experts.

This approach aims to ensure that students benefit from both digital resources and valuable interpersonal interactions essential for holistic development.