AI Can Nurture Critical Thinkers: UWI Educator Says Parents Can Harness Digital Tools for Deeper Learning

Artificial intelligence has the power to transform how children think and learn and parents, guardians and teachers should actively guide them in using these tools thoughtfully and purposefully.

That was the empowering message from Dr. Andrew Hunte, Head of the School of Humanities and Education at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Five Islands Campus, during the session "Parenting in a Digital Age: How Parents Can Provide Support for both Academic Success and Emotional Well-Being" at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) 2025 Regional Symposium and Policy Dialogue on Transforming Education.

Dr. Hunte, a leading Caribbean researcher in AI in education and Associate Editor of the Caribbean Educational Research Journal, emphasized that AI's true value lies in fostering children's critical thinking. When used thoughtfully, AI tools don't just deliver answers, they guide students through lessons, prompting questions, reflection, and problem-solving.

"These tools make learning interactive. They prompt children to think through each step, ask questions, and even correct mistakes. That's how we build critical thinkers," Dr. Hunte explained.

Highlighting practical applications, he showcased platforms such as Khanmigo, Khan Academy's AI-powered learning platform, and ChatGPT's Study Mode, which turn screen time into interactive learning experiences. Rather than simply providing solutions, these tools engage students in a Socratic dialogue, challenging them to reason through problems and develop deeper understanding.

The educator, who also serves as Assistant Chief Examiner for Additional Mathematics with the Caribbean Examinations Council, stressed that realizing this potential requires active parental involvement. Parents must guide, not outsource, their children's learning by balancing screen time with shared, supervised use of digital tools.

"Too often, we allow technology to become the extended teacher when school finishes. We just let children go in their rooms and do whatever they want online, and that's not a good thing. We need to guide them and be part of what they are doing online," Dr. Hunte cautioned.

Noting that AI is here to stay, he urged parents to ensure technology is used responsibly. Parents were encouraged to foster digital literacy by discussing the ethical use of online tools, guiding children to question AI-generated content, and verifying information independently.

Ensuring safe, supervised access to devices also helps children use digital resources productively, while supporting offline activities, such as sports, music, and art, builds confidence, creativity, and essential life skills beyond screens.

CDB's 2025 Regional Symposium and Policy Dialogue on Transforming Education was held in Barbados on September 30 - October 2, 2025 with close to 200 participants in attendance. Under the theme "Stronger Together: Empowering Parents as Partners in Caribbean Education", the event aimed to strengthen parent engagement in education through capacity building, dialogue with policymakers, and a sustainable framework for partnership.

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Photo caption: Dr. Andrew Hunte, Head of the School of Humanities and Education at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Five Islands Campus, speaks at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) 2025 Regional Symposium and Policy Dialogue on Transforming Education.