The Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Primary Education: Current Trends and Future Prospects
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rhimrj.2026.v13n08.011Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Primary Education, Personalized Learning, Educational Technology (EdTech), Adaptive Learning, Digital Divide, Future PedagogiesAbstract
Artificial intelligence is steadily transforming primary education by shifting the classroom focus from a traditional, one-size-fits-all model to tailored learning experiences. This research paper examines the contemporary trends and future potential of integrating AI tools within early-stage schooling. Currently, applications such as adaptive learning software, gamified platforms, and intelligent tutoring systems are redefining how foundational literacy and numeracy are taught. While these technologies offer substantial benefits—such as reducing administrative burdens for teachers and accommodating diverse learning paces—they also introduce significant concerns. This paper critically evaluates these challenges, including student data privacy, the widening digital divide, and the risk of reducing essential human interaction during a child's crucial formative years. Looking ahead, the integration of emotional AI and immersive virtual environments presents promising opportunities for cognitive development. Ultimately, this paper argues that AI must serve as a supportive mechanism to augment, rather than replace, human educators, promoting a balanced, blended pedagogical approach.
References
[1] Bagdonaitė, J., & Dagienė, V. (2025). Artificial Intelligence in Primary Education: A Systematic Literature Review 2020–2025. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 28(2), 698-712.
[2] Celik, I., Dindar, M., Muukkonen, H., & Järvelä, S. (2024). The promise and perils of Generative AI in K-12 education: A systematic mapping of the field. British Journal of Educational Technology, 55(1), 180-198.
[3] Dai, Y. (2024). Exploring the integration of artificial intelligence education at the elementary level: Institutional challenges and systemic design. Interactive Learning Environments, 32(3), 841-855.
[4] Dwivedi, R., & Elluri, R. (2024). Transforming early childhood pedagogical paths: A review of adaptive, machine learning-driven e-learning engines. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 34(2), 401-423.
[5] Eguchi, T., et al. (2021). Bringing Robotics and AI into K-12 Classrooms: A Systematic Review of Primary Pedagogies. International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction, 29, 100342.
[6] Holmes, W., Bialik, M., & Fadel, C. (2019). Artificial intelligence in education: Promises and implications for teaching and learning. Center for Curriculum Redesign.
[7] Kirova, A., et al. (2023). Ethical and privacy implications of monitoring young children's metrics via predictive AI systems. Early Childhood Education Journal, 51(6), 1045-1057.
[8] Long, D., & Magerko, B. (2020). What is AI literacy? Competencies and design considerations. Proceedings of the 2020 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 1-16.
[9] OECD / European Union. (2026). Empowering learners for the age of AI: An AI literacy framework for primary and secondary education. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/65cd27d4-en
[10] Rizvi, S., et al. (2023). Intelligent Tutoring Systems in Primary Mathematics: Overcoming Spatial and Numeric Anxiety in Young Learners. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 39(4), 1102-1115.
[11] Su, J., Ng, D. T. K., & Chu, S. K. W. (2023). Artificial intelligence (AI) literacy in early childhood education: A scoping review. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 4, 100121.
[12] Touretzky, D., Gardner-McCune, C., Martin, F., & Seehorn, D. (2019). Envisioning AI for K-12: What should every child know about AI? Proceedings of the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence, 33(01), 9795-9799.
[13] UNESCO. (2023). Guidance for generative AI in education and research. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
[14] Wang, D., & Lester, J. (2023). Theoretical foundations of AI literacy in K-6 education: A review of empirical instructional methods. Computers & Education, 198, 104764.