Schools Should Teach AI Fundamentals Without Screens First, LEGO Education Says
AI literacy is becoming essential for job seekers, but educators shouldn't rush young students to chatbots. Instead, tactile learning tools like LEGO bricks can build foundational understanding of how systems work, according to Jenny Nash, head of education impact at LEGO Education.
Nash spoke at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit about an approach that prioritizes hands-on learning before screen time. "Kindergarteners, do we need to immediately put them on the computer? Maybe not," she said. "We've taken the approach of stepping back, less screen time, more hands-on playful time, more curiosity and building those skills."
Building physical models teaches students the basics of construction and problem-solving-skills that transfer directly to understanding how large language models and other AI systems function.
Middle School: Building Soft Skills for AI Work
By middle school, students can transition to screen-based work while maintaining collaborative learning environments. Group projects teach students to consider multiple perspectives and develop solutions together.
Nash emphasized that variety in student approaches matters. "We want to see a lot of variety in the answers, which allows for more inventive, more ideas to come out to get to a better solution in the end," she said.
This method helps students identify real-world problems they can address with technology-a critical skill for AI-enabled careers.
Learn more about implementing AI education strategies with our AI Learning Path for Teachers, or explore resources on AI for Education.
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