Dr. Richard Yen, the founder of Ednovation, was inspired by artificial intelligence (AI) during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. He saw how AI could create a personalised, engaging learning experience, especially for young children. To bring this vision to life, he applied for Enterprise Singapore’s Enterprise Development Grant (EDG). With this support, Ednovation launched programs like AI Chinese and AI Maths, which are now implemented in preschools across Singapore, China, and ASEAN countries.
These AI-powered programs offer a customised approach to learning that allows children to progress at their own pace. For parents, understanding the role of AI in education can be a new experience. Here, Dr. Yen answers some frequently asked questions about Ednovation’s approach to using AI in preschool education, addressing concerns and highlighting how AI can benefit young learners.
Why Start Introducing AI Concepts at the Preschool Level?
“Introducing AI concepts at a young age prepares children for a world increasingly defined by technology,” Dr. Yen explains. “Learning to navigate AI-based tools builds early digital literacy, which becomes foundational as children grow.”
At Ednovation, AI integration has shown measurable benefits. “We’ve found that preschoolers using our AI programs make substantial strides, like recognising 30% more words compared to those learning without AI. By introducing AI early, children engage more actively in learning and gain confidence in using technology in their education,” he notes.
Image from Ednovation
Moreover, integrating AI early aligns with Singapore’s EdTech Masterplan, which emphasises personalised learning through digital tools. “We want to make sure technology serves children in an age-appropriate way, preparing them with skills and adaptability they’ll need in the future,” Dr. Yen adds.
How Does AI Facilitate Collaboration Between Teachers, Parents, and Students?
Dr. Yen believes that AI has made communication and collaboration among teachers, parents, and students more seamless. “At Ednovation, our AI tools track each child’s progress, noting specific areas for improvement. This information is shared with teachers and parents, keeping everyone in sync with the child’s learning journey,” he explains. For instance, parents can monitor their child’s strengths and areas needing focus, while teachers use these insights to adjust lessons in real-time.
This system enhances collaboration, offering transparency and insight to everyone involved in the child’s education. “By using Ednovation’s AI, parents feel more connected to their child’s learning, even if they aren’t physically present at school. For teachers, AI data highlights where additional focus is needed, allowing them to personalise lessons even within a larger classroom,” Dr. Yen says.
How Does Ednovation Address Parents’ Concerns About AI in Education?
“Many parents are naturally cautious about new technologies in education, and we understand their concerns,” Dr. Yen acknowledges. He emphasises that Ednovation uses AI to “support—not replace—human teaching and interaction.” Programs like EdnoAI serve as valuable aids, providing personalised exercises and tracking progress while maintaining opportunities for real-life interaction.
To address parents’ concerns, Ednovation is transparent about data privacy and security, ensuring parents are informed about how AI functions within the curriculum. “We offer workshops and information sessions on the benefits of AI in early education, encouraging parents to ask questions and understand how our tools support, rather than disrupt, traditional learning,” Dr. Yen notes. “Our goal is to use AI as a tool that enhances the educational experience for children, making it both fun and engaging.”
How Does AI Help Identify and Support Areas Where Young Children Struggle the Most?
“One of the greatest strengths of AI is its ability to pinpoint where children might need extra help,” Dr. Yen explains. Ednovation’s AI tools observe each child’s performance in real-time, adapting exercises to focus on specific areas where they struggle. “For example, if a child has trouble recognising certain words, our AI will include those words more frequently in revision activities. This creates a 1:1 tutoring experience tailored to each child’s needs,” he says.
Image from Ednovation
This data-driven approach also enables teachers to focus on the areas that require more attention. Dr. Yen adds, “For instance, children learning Chinese with our AI Chinese program often progress from recognising just a handful of words to over 100 in a few months. AI highlights individual struggles, helping parents and teachers address specific needs rather than generalising progress.”
How Does AI Contribute to Language Development in Young Children?
“Language learning is an area where Ednovation’s AI has been particularly effective,” Dr. Yen notes. Using tools like EdnoAI, children engage in interactive exercises that enhance word recognition and vocabulary retention. One of Ednovation’s unique features is the voice-activated chatbot, which encourages children to practice speaking by describing what they see in pictures. “This interactive approach makes language learning more approachable and engaging for young learners,” he says, adding that it strengthens both comprehension and expression.
Image from Ednovation
Ednovation’s research has shown that children who use AI for language practice retain knowledge better than those who don’t. “Even non-native speakers benefit from AI. For example, children who don’t speak Chinese at home can still practice and improve their skills with Ednovation’s AI tools, creating a consistent learning environment that builds confidence and fluency,” Dr. Yen explains.
Final Thoughts
Ednovation’s AI-based programs offer new possibilities for young learners to develop essential skills in an engaging and personalised way. Through AI, Dr. Richard Yen and his team have transformed early education, providing tools that support children, teachers, and parents alike. “AI bridges the gap between home and school learning, offering insight and focus where it’s needed most,” Dr. Yen reflects, emphasising how tailored technology can boost young learners’ confidence and independence.
At Ednovation, AI is designed to enhance rather than replace human interaction, allowing each child to thrive in a balanced, supportive environment. “Parents can feel confident that our tools are crafted with their child’s best interests at heart, setting the foundation for a lifelong love of learning,” he concludes, underscoring Ednovation’s commitment to fostering meaningful, AI-supported education.
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