AI & education: disaster or destiny?

Is AI in education a disaster ... or inevitable. We can easily see that AI is already changing education ... but is it making kids smarter, or just more dependent?In this episode of TechFirst, John Koetsier talks with Navin Gurnani, CEO of Code Ninjas, about how kids can learn to build with AI instead of simply asking ChatGPT for answers.They discuss why coding still matters in the age of vibe coding, how AI can actually strengthen creativity and critical thinking, and the foundational skills kids need to thrive in a future shaped by artificial intelligence.Navin explains how Code Ninjas teaches children as young as 8 to understand AI “behind the curtain,” develop grit and resilience, and gain the confidence to create games, apps, and even entrepreneurial projects powered by AI.The conversation also dives into:* Why passive AI use puts kids at a disadvantage* The mindset future-ready kids need* AI literacy for parents and children* How coding builds confidence and problem-solving skills* Why adaptability may become the most important human skill* The difference between using AI and leading with AIIf you’re a parent, educator, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of learning, this episode is packed with practical insights about preparing kids for an AI-driven world.GuestNavin Gurnani — CEO, Code NinjasSponsorThis episode is sponsored by Apprentice — the first AI agent built for agentic manufacturing.Chapters0:00 Intro: Is AI destroying education?1:00 Teaching kids to build with AI, not depend on it2:00 AI, coding, games, and decision-making3:00 Why understanding AI builds confidence4:00 Passive AI users vs. AI creators5:00 What kids learn at Code Ninjas6:00 Grit, resilience, and problem-solving8:00 Belt system and early wins9:00 Building confidence through teaching others10:00 AI literacy by age level11:00 Teaching kids to use AI responsibly12:00 Coding in the age of vibe coding14:00 AI-assisted entrepreneurship for kids15:00 Building future-ready mindsets16:00 What a future-ready kid looks like17:00 Adaptability and spotting AI mistakes18:00 One thing parents should do now