The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Early Childhood Education

Artificial intelligence (AI) and generative tools are transforming higher education, offering new learning opportunities alongside challenges to traditional pedagogy. Higher education faculty must navigate maintaining academic integrity while honoring diverse student voices as generative AI tools become integrated into coursework. This IRB-approved qualitative study explores Early Childhood Studies (ECS) students’ experiences using AI, particularly in writing Learning Stories, a narrative-based assessment used in early childhood education ( Carr, 1998 ; Carr & Lee, 2012 , 2019 ). Survey data reveal themes including ethical concerns, fears of dehumanization, the need for institutional guidance, and potential benefits to learning. The study contributes to critical conversations about integrating AI in ways that support equity, uphold integrity, and reimagine pedagogy for a more ethical and inclusive educational future.