Kids are turning screen time into skills while learning about robotics, computer coding, and artificial intelligence at privately run learning centres in Ottawa “I really love technology,” said 13-year-old Aaraz Islam. He’s learning all about artificial intelligence, or AI, at the Kanata location of Code Ninjas. “My initials are literally AI, so, obviously, I’m going to use some sort of artificial intelligence,” he said. He showed CTV News Ottawa an exercise in spotting fake AI-generated images or content, comparing a picture of a hippo and underwater aquatic life. “AI is like phenomenal at making images like this, but you could clearly tell because of how coincidental this is having a hippo on a couch, just chilling with a ball,” Islam said. Islam even had a tip on how to detect artificial intelligence in phone calls. “AI voices get so realistic nowadays, you have to listen very closely. Usually, AI is in like a positive attitude all the time, so it can appear friendly to people,” Islam said. He’s not only learning how to spot AI, but also how to use it through various exercises and programs, creating cooking recipes by combining foods from different cultures into one dish. “Silesian Pierogi Gyoza with Smoked Oscypek,” which was a combination of Polish and Japanese cuisine. Other exercises included creating music and showing how AI can learn from drawings he created. Code Ninjas operates two locations in Ottawa and another 63 across Canada, where children ages 5 and up can participate in programs. “Code Ninjas is a concept that was modelled on Martial Arts Dojo. And just the motivation of kids wanting to work their way through a belt system,” said Shauna Chan, Code Ninjas franchise co-owner. “So, we merged that with what kids love, which is video games. And so ultimately, we were able to teach kids computer programming, coding.” Eight-year-old Nolan showed CTV News his interest in robotics. He built a Ferris wheel out of Lego and demonstrated programming possibilities by having a laptop make it spin. “Yeah, it’s very cool,” Nolan said. Eight-year-old Conor was programming a video game. “I’m going to become an engineer,” he says. “The in-person experience, learning anything, frankly, is so important for kids for their social development, making new friends outside of school,” Chan said. “We know school can be a tough place sometimes, so it’s nice for them to have another group of friends at a different place. That’s really important. We’re extremely inclusive here.” Children can attend a free game-building session to get a sense of what the programs offer. According to Chan, programming starts at about $139 per month for junior levels and $149 for higher levels.
