Impact of Adaptive Artificial Intelligence on the Development of Executive Functions in Early Childhood Education Children in Ecuador.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70577/vxjm4j39Keywords:
Adaptive artificial intelligence; executive functions; early childhood education; personalized learning; cognitive development; educational transformation.Abstract
Integrating adaptive artificial intelligence (AAI) into educational systems has emerged as a promising strategy for addressing complex challenges and fostering systemic change in education, particularly during the early stages of development. This study aims to examine the impact of adaptive artificial intelligence on the development of specific executive functions—working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility—in Ecuadorian preschool children, given its potential to strengthen key cognitive processes that underpin long-term learning.
A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-test assessments and a complementary qualitative component. The sample consisted of children aged 3 to 5 years enrolled in early childhood education centers who participated in a pedagogical intervention supported by AI-driven adaptive learning platforms. Data collection involved validated executive function assessment tools, systematic classroom observations, and semi-structured interviews with teachers.
Quantitative findings revealed statistically significant improvements across all assessed dimensions of executive functioning following the intervention. Convergent qualitative evidence indicated notable gains in children’s self-regulation, sustained attention, cognitive autonomy, and intrinsic motivation. Together, these findings suggest that adaptive artificial intelligence functions as a form of cognitive scaffolding, supporting personalized learning pathways and responsiveness to learner diversity.
In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the implementation of adaptive artificial intelligence in early childhood education not only supports developmental outcomes but also signals a paradigm shift in educational practice. By offering pedagogically innovative tools to address systemic challenges, adaptive AI contributes meaningful solutions to complex educational problems within Ecuadorian and broader Latin American contexts.
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