Grow Forward: Understanding the Role of AI in Your Child’s Education with Dr. Svetlana Chigaeva-Heddad
2 May 2026
Today, modern technology is moving at a pace that is completely reshaping how children learn and engage with the world around them. With AI taking an increasingly present role in our children’s education, Dr. Svetlana Chigaeva-Heddad led the first session in the Family and AI Literacy track, titled “The Classroom,” to explore what this shift means for their school life and future.
Grow Forward is a part of the University’s continuing contribution towards the UAE community. We believe that learning opportunities should be accessible, and that, in times of change, people should not feel alone in finding direction. This cost-free initiative equips professionals, parents, and educators of the UAE community with skills and knowledge to help them navigate change with confidence. It runs across three tracks: Business Innovation, Family and AI Literacy, and Languages, from April to June 2026. The sessions are delivered on our campus, in a setting built for learning and growth. With this initiative, we affirm that knowledge, skills, and community are not privileges, but a foundation.
Today, more and more children are using AI to write assignments, summarize lessons, and prepare presentations. With this integration accelerating rapidly, it has become a double-edged sword for many parents: is my child truly benefiting from AI, or is it becoming an easy way out of exerting mental effort? How should I approach this conversation with my child and their school, if at all? These were the questions at the center of today’s session.
Dr. Chigaeva-Heddad guided participants through an honest and open discussion, unpacking what children gain from AI, what skills they may risk losing, and what questions parents should be asking their child’s school. The session created space to address realistic concerns, where parents felt comfortable to share their individual experiences, ask questions, and engage in thoughtful discussions. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all answers, Dr. Chigaeva-Heddad helped participants build a clearer understanding of how AI fits into their individual children’s learning journeys — and how to approach it thoughtfully at home.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. More sessions are ahead for professionals, parents, and educators. Each session will offer practical insights from experienced experts. Upcoming dates:
• May 7th: Basic Arabic for Business
• May 8th: AI Literacy for Teachers: AI Tools for Feedback
• May 15th: AI Literacy for Teachers: AI Detection
• May 16th: AI Literacy for Parents: The Emotional Space
Be part of the conversation. Register for the upcoming Grow Forward sessions and take an active role in shaping a stronger, more connected UAE community. Visit this page for the full agenda.
Grow Forward is a part of the University’s continuing contribution towards the UAE community. We believe that learning opportunities should be accessible, and that, in times of change, people should not feel alone in finding direction. This cost-free initiative equips professionals, parents, and educators of the UAE community with skills and knowledge to help them navigate change with confidence. It runs across three tracks: Business Innovation, Family and AI Literacy, and Languages, from April to June 2026. The sessions are delivered on our campus, in a setting built for learning and growth. With this initiative, we affirm that knowledge, skills, and community are not privileges, but a foundation.
Today, more and more children are using AI to write assignments, summarize lessons, and prepare presentations. With this integration accelerating rapidly, it has become a double-edged sword for many parents: is my child truly benefiting from AI, or is it becoming an easy way out of exerting mental effort? How should I approach this conversation with my child and their school, if at all? These were the questions at the center of today’s session.
Dr. Chigaeva-Heddad guided participants through an honest and open discussion, unpacking what children gain from AI, what skills they may risk losing, and what questions parents should be asking their child’s school. The session created space to address realistic concerns, where parents felt comfortable to share their individual experiences, ask questions, and engage in thoughtful discussions. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all answers, Dr. Chigaeva-Heddad helped participants build a clearer understanding of how AI fits into their individual children’s learning journeys — and how to approach it thoughtfully at home.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. More sessions are ahead for professionals, parents, and educators. Each session will offer practical insights from experienced experts. Upcoming dates:
• May 7th: Basic Arabic for Business
• May 8th: AI Literacy for Teachers: AI Tools for Feedback
• May 15th: AI Literacy for Teachers: AI Detection
• May 16th: AI Literacy for Parents: The Emotional Space
Be part of the conversation. Register for the upcoming Grow Forward sessions and take an active role in shaping a stronger, more connected UAE community. Visit this page for the full agenda.
