Google DeepMind research scientist Stefania Druga emphasizes the need for a major overhaul in coding education, particularly in how it integrates artificial intelligence (AI). While coding remains a crucial skill, the method of teaching it must evolve to keep pace with technological advancements and ensure that students are prepared for a highly uncertain job market. Druga highlights that many young people are frequent users of AI tools but often misuse them for tasks like solving homework or writing essays, which can undermine their learning and critical thinking abilities. She argues that this is largely due to the design of the AI tools and the types of assignments typically given in schools. "If an AI can solve a test, it’s the wrong test," she states. Instead, AI should be used to support "co-creation," allowing students to explore and develop their own projects with the technology. Nearly a decade ago, Druga noticed the increasing prevalence of voice assistants like Alexa in households, observing that children often turned to these devices for answers before their parents. This realization led her to create Cognimates, a platform designed to foster AI literacy among young children. Cognimates engages kids in hands-on projects such as building games and programming robots, encouraging them to understand and train AI models in a safe and interactive environment. The platform is designed to be more Socratic, posing questions to guide learners without directly providing solutions. This approach helps children develop a strong sense of ownership over their projects and fosters deeper engagement and critical thinking. Druga’s philosophy extends beyond just using AI tools in education. She believes that assignments themselves should be rethought to be less formulaic, promoting creativity and problem-solving. For instance, instead of simply writing an essay, students could be tasked with creating a multimedia project that incorporates AI-generated elements. This shift in educational methodology can help prevent over-reliance on AI and encourage meaningful learning experiences. The researcher stresses that coding itself is not obsolete, but the way it is taught must adapt to the rapid changes in technology. Traditional computer science (CS) education has often focused on preparing students for specific jobs in tech, which Druga sees as problematic. "The technology is changing so fast that if your entire value proposition for how you train people is to prepare them for specific stacks or jobs, that’s going to become obsolete very fast," she explains. Instead, the focus should be on teaching transferrable skills and adaptability, qualities that will be essential in a dynamic labor market. Druga points to several young individuals who have successfully built profitable products independently, identifying problems and creating solutions without the need for venture capital or traditional tech jobs. This trend underscores the importance of equipping children with the skills to navigate and innovate within the rapidly evolving tech landscape. In conclusion, Druga advocates for a more holistic and innovative approach to coding and AI education. By emphasizing co-creation, hands-on projects, and critical thinking, educators can prepare students to be active participants in the future of technology, rather than passive consumers. This approach ensures that coding remains relevant and valuable while fostering a new generation of technologically literate and creative problem-solvers. Industry insiders agree with Druga's perspective, recognizing the urgent need for a more adaptable and interactive coding education curriculum. Google DeepMind, where Druga works, is a leading AI research lab known for advancing machine learning and AI technologies. The company's CEO, Demis Hassabis, shares Druga’s vision, stressing the importance of preparing for constant change in the tech industry. Cognimates, by providing a platform for early AI literacy, is setting a precedent for how education can better integrate advanced technologies and empower the next generation of tech innovators.