An Experiment in Interactive Education: How LLMs Are Transforming the Way Our Kids Learn
As a curious software engineer and a father, I’m constantly intrigued by how technology reshapes our daily lives and as much as I witness AI disrupt industries, I’m particularly fascinated by how Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are starting to impact education, especially for our children. The transformation is already underway. A quick look at how Khan Academy has evolved in recent years shows just how impactful AI-driven tools can be. I watched this video last year with all the buzz around ChatGPT, but now, moving forward, I’m beginning to realize that dreams are becoming reality. If you haven’t watched this TED talk by Sal Khan, I encourage you check it out:
Recently, I experimented with this idea by creating a quiz game for my two older kids, ages 7 and 11, using ChatGPT. The initial goal was simple: to craft a fun quiz on Israel that matched their interests and was age-appropriate. Creating it was easy, I simply asked ChatGPT to design general knowledge questions for kids in Israel aged 7–11. The chat delivered engaging questions, and I could see right away that it had the potential to do more than just entertain.
Adapting the Game for Deeper Engagement
As the game progressed, I noticed my kids answering the straightforward questions I have prepared quickly.
I wanted them to utilize ChatGPT as a tool for curiosity and deeper learning.
Realizing this, I decided to make some adjustments to the game. Instead of sticking with straightforward questions, I began asking ChatGPT itself to challenge my kids in ways that would require them to “read around” topics, go beyond surface answers, and really think critically. I wanted the game to be less about “finding the answer” and more about understanding, asking follow-up questions, and connecting the dots. In a way, I challenged ChatGPT to challenge itself — structuring questions in a way that would naturally encourage exploration.
Adapting the quiz was pretty simple, I asked ChatGPT to challenge itself and validate that the questions aren’t straightforward and require exploration. Got the fixed quiz and re-initiated the game with them ;)
I had several goals in this practice with them —
Goal 1: Enhancing Reading and Writing Skills
One of my goals was to create a game that helped my kids practice reading and writing. By engaging with ChatGPT, they not only read more complex responses but also learned to rephrase questions and refine their queries. This dynamic is something traditional Q&A rarely offers: it’s not just a back-and-forth but a process of learning how to ask the right questions, and that’s where real understanding begins. They’re learning to communicate more effectively and to process what they’re seeking to know — a skill that in my opinion much more valuable than knowing the answers themselves. This skill is challenging to develop, as our education system focuses primarily on delivering content rather than teaching our children how to research and foster independent learning.
Goal 2: Promoting Curiosity and Inquiry
Another important goal was to move away from instant answers. In today’s fast-paced world, we’re conditioned to expect immediate results. But learning often requires patience, curiosity, and the willingness to dig deeper. I didn’t want them to just look up answers. I wanted them to ask why, explore how, and dive into what makes a topic interesting. I believe that this approach makes learning far more enjoyable and memorable.
As they progressed through the game, I noticed that instead of accepting responses at face value, they began asking ChatGPT follow-up questions. The questions they asked and the curiosity they displayed went beyond what I expected. They weren’t just interacting with the chat, they were learning to ask deeper questions and also involved me in the game ;)
A Surprising Discovery…
My 11-year-old daughter has already been using Microsoft Copilot for math, asking it to explain topics she didn’t fully understand. I was curious to understand how my daughter interacting with the chat, so I was reading her chat history and discovered that it isn’t just a functional interaction! It is so personal… She even gave Copilot a name and talks to it about her likes, dislikes, and our family life. The AI responds warmly and openly, engaging her with a calm tone, and sometimes even prompting her to share more. This conversational style is incredibly inviting for kids, as it resembles the chat-based interactions they’re already accustomed to from platforms like WhatsApp.
Here are several screenshots from my daughter’s interaction with the Copilot chat. The chats are, of course, in Hebrew, but to give an idea for non-Hebrew speakers: my daughter starts by giving the bot a name, then asks it a math question, and immediately after, tells it how many brothers she has at home. The conversations are long and I can’t share them all. Later, she even mentions that she’s bored and tries to find something interesting to do :)
This level of personalization adds an emotional layer to the experience, transforming LLMs from a simple tool into something more approachable and relatable. It’s fascinating to watch her interact with it, treating it as more than just a bot but as a companion in learning.
Reflections on the Future of AI in Education
Through this experiment, I’ve come to see the incredible potential for LLMs like ChatGPT/Copilot/others to enhance learning experiences. As an engineer, I see the technical elegance in how these models process language and respond to questions. But as a parent, I see how these tools could become a valuable part of our kids’ educational journey.
In the long run, I’m optimistic that tools like ChatGPT will adapt to and shape the educational landscape. They offer a unique blend of information, engagement, and personalization that traditional methods simply can’t match. My hope is that, as these tools evolve, they’ll continue to empower our kids — not just to find answers but to ask better questions and pursue knowledge with genuine curiosity.
For now, I’m excited to keep experimenting, challenging ChatGPT to challenge my kids, and watching them grow as learners. I believe we’re only at the beginning of what’s possible, and I look forward to seeing how tools like ChatGPT will transform education, both in the classroom and at home.
