THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOLS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study investigates the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in early childhood language education, with a particular focus on their transformative role in facilitating language acquisition among young learners. Through a comprehensive review of current applications, the paper evaluates the pedagogical benefits, implementation challenges, and emergent trends surrounding the use of AI in early learning contexts. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of maintaining a balanced pedagogical approach; the one that synergizes AI-driven personalized instruction with critical human interaction to support children's holistic cognitive and emotional development. Drawing upon illustrative case studies, the paper demonstrates the impact of AI-enhanced language learning tools on learner engagement, motivation, and linguistic proficiency in real-world educational settings. Additionally, future directions such as advancements in Natural Language Processing (NLP), the integration of AI with tangible learning resources, and the development of collaborative AI ecosystems are explored to anticipate the trajectory of AI in early education. Ultimately, the paper advocates for a mindful and pedagogically grounded adoption of AI as a catalyst for creating enriched, adaptive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments that support foundational language development and long-term academic growth.