“AI in Education: Finding the Just-Right Challenge Without Replacing Learning,” by Sarah Collins, Homeschool OT

By Sarah Collins, MSOT, OTR/L, Founder of HomeschoolOT

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly common in education, leaving many parents wondering whether it will help their children learn or simply do the thinking for them. As both an occupational therapist and homeschool mom, I share those concerns. I want my children to develop independence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. But I’ve also begun asking a different question: What if AI could help us become better teachers without replacing the learning itself?

During a recent conversation on The OT is IN podcast, Jennifer Burns, founder of American Faith Academy, described individualized learning as placing the bar within a child’s “tiptoes reach.” I love that analogy because it reflects what occupational therapists call the just-right challenge. Learning should stretch a child’s abilities without becoming so difficult that frustration prevents meaningful participation.

Consider a child who understands a topic but struggles to organize their thoughts into a written paragraph. We could eliminate the assignment, write the paragraph for them, or provide enough support to help them complete it independently. AI introduces another possibility: generating guiding questions that help the child organize their own ideas while preserving the thinking and decision-making involved in writing.

Of course, technology isn’t always the answer. Before introducing AI, I encourage parents to consider four things: the goal, the barrier, the support, and the outcome. What skill is the child developing? What’s making the task difficult? What support might help? And, after introducing that support, is the child demonstrating greater understanding or independence?

These questions matter because individualized learning doesn’t necessarily require a different curriculum or a new technological tool. Sometimes children need an alternative explanation, smaller steps, hands-on experiences, or simply more time to practice.

AI also has limitations. Its responses can be inaccurate, and excessive assistance can interfere with the very skills we’re trying to develop. Parents must remain actively involved in evaluating its usefulness.

Ultimately, our goal isn’t to make learning effortless. It’s to provide meaningful challenges and appropriate support so children become increasingly capable and independent. Technology should serve that goal, never replace it.

Click here to listen to this week’s conversation with Jennifer Burns in Episode 107: The OT is IN

Learn more about OT is INsiders: homeschoolot.com/otinsiders

Sarah Collins, founder of HomeschoolOT

About Sarah Collins, MSOT, OTR/L, occupational therapist, homeschool mom, author, and founder of HomeschoolOT. With more than 17 years of experience supporting children and families, she helps parents understand how learning, movement, sensory processing, executive functioning, and daily life skills work together.

Since beginning her own homeschool journey in 2017, Sarah has combined her professional expertise with real-life experience, helping families create learning environments that honor each child’s unique strengths and challenges. Through HomeschoolOT and The OT is IN podcast, she shares practical strategies that help parents move beyond curriculum choices and better understand how their children learn best.

Sarah believes that homeschooling is not about recreating school at home. It is about helping children grow into capable, confident learners while building strong family relationships along the way.

Learn more: homeschoolot.com

More in HomeschoolOT