College of Education and Human Ecology
Dr. Jennifer Chen, professor and chair of the Department of Early Childhood Education at Kean University
With the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) use, it is important to examine how AI intersects with early child care and education. In this session, Dr. Jennifer Chen will explore both the positive and negative aspects of utilizing AI for teaching and children’s learning, with a focus on its appropriate, responsible, and ethical use, while also recognizing concerns about its misuse and overuse. This examination will lead to a discussion of the potential implications of AI for early childhood education, including promoting equitable access to AI for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Dr. Chen earned her doctorate in human development and psychology from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. Her research interests lie at the intersection of early childhood education and psychology, and her recent work has shifted to fostering better understanding of AI and its implications for education. Dr. Chen is highly respected as a scholar both internationally and nationally and has authored or co-authored more than 80 scholarly publications, including three books. She is an award-winning researcher, a distinguished scholar and professor, and a research mentor. She was recently honored with a 2023 Outstanding Early Childhood Teacher Educator award from the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators Foundation.
