Kean Professor Leads Research on the Role of AI in Early Childhood Education

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues transforming classrooms worldwide, Kean University Professor Jennifer Chen, Ed.D., is leading research into how AI affects young learners ages 3 to 8 and what educators and families need to know to use it ethically, responsibly and effectively.  

Her latest articles, published in AI Enhanced Learning and Early Childhood Education Journal, explore the complexities of integrating AI into learning environments, finding that while it can enhance students’ learning and comprehension, it also presents ethical challenges.

Through her work, Chen is helping position Kean University at the forefront of research on the use of AI and technology in education.

“Professor Chen’s research reflects Kean’s commitment to innovation in education,” said Sancha K. Gray, Ed.D., acting dean of Kean’s College of Education. “By examining both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with AI, she is helping educators lead in an evolving digital landscape.” 

A key part of Chen’s work also centers on advocating for children’s rights to data protection, safety and well-being in the digital age.

“AI is a double-edged sword,” Chen said. “It can be beneficial, but we must ensure that children’s well-being is safeguarded and that parents and teachers understand how these technologies are being used for, with and by children.”

She emphasizes young children often do not fully grasp the risks of sharing personal information with AI tools, receiving biased or inaccurate AI-generated content, encountering developmentally inappropriate responses from AI conversational agents, or leaving long-term digital footprints.

“AI companies often collect children’s data, yet few are transparent about where it goes or how it is used,” she said. “I’m advocating for AI companies to clearly communicate their policies, including data collection and consent, so that families can make informed decisions.”

Chen’s research also highlights positive applications of AI in the classroom. She cites the example of a second-grade teacher using an AI platform to tailor lessons for bilingual students, allowing for more personalized learning experiences.

Her research is supported by Kean’s strong focus on innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

“President Repollet has really supported AI research across the University. We now have workshops on the use of AI for teaching and student learning and a bachelor’s degree in AI,” she said. “I’m collaborating with colleagues in the Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology on an NSF grant proposal, exchanging perspectives and continuing the good work in the AI field with innovative ideas for providing training on research in AI to teachers and students.”

Looking ahead, Chen aims to empower teachers and parents to integrate AI safely, ethically and responsibly. Her goal is to help educators and school districts properly integrate AI technologies into their curricula in ways that support children’s development and learning.

“Early childhood education is where everything starts,” she said. “Children are encountering AI as early as preschool. Educators need the proper training and tools to use it responsibly and help children build AI literacy from the very beginning.”