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Raising Children for a 'Tinkering Age' in the AI Era

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/03/02 .. -children-for-a-tinkering-age-in-the-ai-era.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, March 2nd 2026 at 16:45 GMT by GeekWire
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Navigating the AI Revolution: Raising Children for a 'Tinkering Age'

By [Your Name], GeekWire Contributor, March 2, 2026

SEATTLE - The pervasive creep of artificial intelligence into nearly every facet of modern life has sparked a new wave of parental anxiety: are our children adequately prepared for a future increasingly defined by intelligent machines? This concern isn't simply about keeping pace with technological advancements; it's about equipping the next generation with the skills to shape that future, not merely be shaped by it. Tyler DeMartis, the newly appointed CEO of Code.org, believes the key lies in fostering a "tinkering age" of learning - an approach that prioritizes experimentation, creative problem-solving, and a comfort with failure.

DeMartis's insights come at a critical juncture. Parents are witnessing AI systems perform tasks that once required significant human skill - from writing coherent text to generating complex artwork. This understandably leads to a fear that traditional educational methods, focused on memorization and standardized testing, are becoming obsolete. The "fear of missing out" (FOMO), as DeMartis aptly terms it, is palpable.

However, the Code.org CEO argues that doubling down on rote learning is precisely the wrong response. The skills that defined academic success in the past are rapidly losing their value. In an era where information is readily accessible, the ability to recall facts is less important than the ability to apply knowledge, analyze information, and generate novel solutions. Instead, DeMartis champions a shift towards cultivating what he describes as "the ability to build, to create, to iterate," and crucially, "learning how to learn."

This philosophy is driving a significant evolution at Code.org. The organization, renowned for its efforts to expand access to computer science education, is actively revising its curriculum. The emphasis is moving away from rigid coding syntax--the specific rules of programming languages--and towards project-based learning experiences. The goal isn't simply to teach children how to code, but to empower them to use technology as a tool for creative expression and problem-solving. They envision students becoming "creators, not just consumers" of technology, understanding not just that AI can do something, but how it works and how to harness its power.

But how can parents effectively support this transition? DeMartis offers practical advice, moving beyond abstract educational theory to actionable strategies. Firstly, he stresses the importance of embracing experimentation. Children need to be given the freedom to explore, to try new things, and to make mistakes without fear of judgment. Failure, he argues, isn't a setback but a valuable learning opportunity--a chance to analyze what went wrong and refine their approach. This requires a shift in parental mindset, from valuing perfect outcomes to celebrating effort and resilience.

Secondly, DeMartis advocates for asking open-ended questions. Instead of providing answers directly, parents should pose questions that encourage critical thinking and independent problem-solving. For example, rather than telling a child how to fix a broken toy, ask them what they've tried already and what other possibilities they can consider. This fosters a sense of agency and empowers children to develop their own solutions.

The third recommendation centers on focusing on the process, not the outcome. It's easy to get caught up in achieving a specific result, but DeMartis emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating the effort, creativity, and persistence that went into the project, regardless of whether it's "perfect." This approach helps build intrinsic motivation and fosters a love of learning.

Finally, DeMartis suggests parents learn alongside their kids. Showing genuine interest in their projects, asking questions, and engaging in collaborative exploration can be a powerful bonding experience and demonstrate the value of lifelong learning. This isn't about parents becoming experts in AI; it's about modeling curiosity and a willingness to learn new things.

The challenge, of course, is that this "tinkering age" requires a significant shift in educational paradigms and parental expectations. It demands that we move away from a focus on standardized metrics and towards a more holistic assessment of skills like creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability. It necessitates investing in resources and programs that support project-based learning and provide access to the tools and technologies that empower students to become creators. DeMartis is optimistic, believing that with the right approach, the next generation will not only navigate the AI revolution successfully but will also shape its trajectory, building a future where technology serves humanity's highest aspirations.