<p>Is AI in education a disaster ... or inevitable. We can easily see that AI is already changing education ... but is it making kids smarter, or just more dependent?</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of TechFirst, John Koetsier talks with Navin Gurnani, CEO of Code Ninjas, about how kids can learn to build with AI instead of simply asking ChatGPT for answers.</p><p><br></p><p>They discuss why coding still matters in the age of vibe coding, how AI can actually strengthen creativity and critical thinking, and the foundational skills kids need to thrive in a future shaped by artificial intelligence.</p><p><br></p><p>Navin explains how Code Ninjas teaches children as young as 8 to understand AI “behind the curtain,” develop grit and resilience, and gain the confidence to create games, apps, and even entrepreneurial projects powered by AI.</p><p><br></p><p>The conversation also dives into:</p><p><br></p><p>* Why passive AI use puts kids at a disadvantage</p><p>* The mindset future-ready kids need</p><p>* AI literacy for parents and children</p><p>* How coding builds confidence and problem-solving skills</p><p>* Why adaptability may become the most important human skill</p><p>* The difference between using AI and leading with AI</p><p><br></p><p>If you’re a parent, educator, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of learning, this episode is packed with practical insights about preparing kids for an AI-driven world.</p><p><br></p><p>Guest</p><p><br></p><p>Navin Gurnani — CEO, Code Ninjas</p><p><br></p><p>Sponsor</p><p><br></p><p>This episode is sponsored by Apprentice — the first AI agent built for agentic manufacturing.</p><p><br></p><p>Chapters</p><p>0:00 Intro: Is AI destroying education?</p><p>1:00 Teaching kids to build with AI, not depend on it</p><p>2:00 AI, coding, games, and decision-making</p><p>3:00 Why understanding AI builds confidence</p><p>4:00 Passive AI users vs. AI creators</p><p>5:00 What kids learn at Code Ninjas</p><p>6:00 Grit, resilience, and problem-solving</p><p>8:00 Belt system and early wins</p><p>9:00 Building confidence through teaching others</p><p>10:00 AI literacy by age level</p><p>11:00 Teaching kids to use AI responsibly</p><p>12:00 Coding in the age of vibe coding</p><p>14:00 AI-assisted entrepreneurship for kids</p><p>15:00 Building future-ready mindsets</p><p>16:00 What a future-ready kid looks like</p><p>17:00 Adaptability and spotting AI mistakes</p><p>18:00 One thing parents should do now</p>