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Should AI Be Taught Like Maths? Why Prompt Engineering Might Be the Next Literacy

In this authored piece, Dr. Renuka Mane explores why prompt engineering deserves to be taught like mathematics as a core literacy for the AI age.
Should AI Be Taught Like Maths? Why Prompt Engineering Might Be the Next Literacy
Written By:
Dr. Renuka  Mane
Published on

Mathematics plays a crucial role in education all around the world, not just for solving equations but also for fostering logical reasoning, critical thinking, and organized problem-solving abilities. The topic of whether artificial intelligence (AI) should be taught with the same focus and framework as mathematics emerges as AI becomes more and more integrated into our daily lives.

The foundation of artificial intelligence (AI) and its subdivision, machine learning (ML), is mathematics. Learners must grasp fundamental mathematical ideas in order to comprehend how these systems work, how they learn from data, spot patterns, and make predictions. This covers linear algebra, calculus, statistics, and regression methods. These topics already make up a sizable portion of contemporary math teaching, so they are not alien to the classroom.

The fact that we are no longer dealing with AI as a remote, complicated technology that is only utilized by specialists makes this discussion even more pertinent nowadays. Knowing how to communicate with generative AI platforms, such as ChatGPT, is becoming essential for both professionals and students as these tools become more widely used. Just as math equips us to think analytically and solve real-world problems, AI literacy empowers us to engage with intelligent systems responsibly and effectively. The foundation is already in place; what’s needed now is an intentional shift in how we apply and extend that foundation—starting with how we educate the next generation.

The powerful thing is that prompt engineering is not only technical; it's also creative. You're working with the machine, not just giving it commands. You can start workflows, create prototypes, come up with business plans, or write content with the correct sentence. The statement that "English is the new programming language" is understandable.

This change has made AI more accessible. The most prosperous business owners, content producers, and solopreneurs of today aren't creating AI; rather, they are becoming experts at using it. They don't know how to code. They are proficient communicators who know how to use prompt design to take advantage of AI tools. Because of this, prompt engineering is now the new literacy rather than a niche. Prompt engineering requires instruction, practice, and improvement, much like reading, writing, and math. A well-crafted mathematical proof is similar to a well-designed prompt. It requires insight, iteration, and experimentation. As with any difficult problem in science or algebra, you try, evaluate, adjust, and repeat. The good news is that anyone can learn this. All you need is an open mind and a willingness to try new things. 

Prompt engineering, like math, rewards accuracy and practice. Furthermore, it's a mindset rather than merely a skill. It's about knowing how data flows, how machines think, and how to use language to influence that flow. It all comes down to being deliberate about inputs and careful about results. That kind of thinking, which combines creativity and logic, is precisely what the future requires.

We can close the gap between human intent and machine intelligence with prompt engineering. It turns AI from a mysterious entity into a helpful ally. And those who can understand AI's language, both technically and contextually, will be at the forefront as it develops further.

In light of the fact that both AI and math teach us how to think more effectively, they should be taught similarly. Prompt engineering, like mathematics, should be at the center of education because it enables people to use AI for good in addition to understanding it.

Authored by Dr. Renuka Mane, Assistant Professor, School of Computer Engineering & Technology, Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Pune

[Disclaimer: The views expressed are solely of the author and Analytics Insight does not necessarily subscribe to it. Analytics Insight shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organization directly or indirectly.]

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