You watch the kids picking up all sorts of information from videos and websites, and you hear all about artificial intelligence, and you might wonder: How important are reading and writing in the age of AI?
Answer: Literacy may be even more important than in previous centuries, and not just verbal literacy, but digital literacy as well.
Digital literacy is the ability to use the devices necessary to take in, create, and communicate information, according to Education Week. And the basis of digital literacy is verbal literacy.
One of the most important future skills will be in interpreting AI output. As AI systems integrate more fully into our daily lives, being able to read and understand these systems will be crucial.
Literacy is also closely tied to critical thinking skills. In an age where information is abundant and sometimes misleading, being able to critically evaluate sources and content is essential.
It's no surprise that effective communication requires written and verbal competence and to that end, literacy skills are fundamental.
According to the National Center for Families Learning, in order to develop literacy skills and love of learning in children, introduce them to a variety of books and activities — not just digital ones — at a young age. Read to children, go on nature walks, ask questions about the world and look up answers together.