Challenging The Myth Of Social Awkwardness In Homeschooling: How edYOU's AI Experiences Support Social Development

Many people believe that homeschooled children are more likely to be socially awkward. However, this is a misconception — with the right curriculum and mix of activities, a homeschooled child can develop all the social skills needed for a successful life. Maintaining that proper balance is important, and although there is no singular tool or activity that will ensure a child's social development, the educational program edYOU offers an unconventional way to support round-the-clock social development.

Dr. Michael Everest, founder of edYOU, focused primarily on using AI in medical education before branching out to support learners at every stage. edYOU was developed specifically to harness the power of AI while protecting kids from the possible dangers of the open internet.

So, what is it that makes edYOU a tool for social development? "I’ve developed advanced AI beings that mimic human life and hold natural conversational abilities," says Dr. Everest. "These AI entities are so realistic that having a conversation with them feels just like talking to me. Everything is interactive, with no pre-recorded responses." There are three diverse conversational AI beings: Hannah, Eddie, and Nova. They speak and move similarly to actual humans, so talking to them is a lot like talking to a friend over video chat.

The beings can quiz children on their knowledge or discuss difficult concepts. Perhaps more importantly, they can help homeschooled kids build confidence and social skills.

Dr. Everest is clear that AI beings are not a substitute for human interaction but can help shy or anxious children practice social skills in a safe environment.

"The edYOU Safe AI program offers a unique and invaluable support system, especially for individuals dealing with social anxiety disorder or other challenges that make traditional learning environments overwhelming. The non-judgmental atmosphere and interactive nature of the AI being, Hannah, provide a comforting and encouraging experience," Dr. Everest says.

edYOU might be an educational program, but it also offers support and helps students learn to cope with difficult situations, promoting overall wellness. "For instance, imagine right before an important test when the pressure is mounting," says Dr. Everest. "Now imagine conversing with Hannah, who understands your concerns and provides a calming presence. It’s like having a study buddy or mentor with you, offering reassurance, guidance, and structure in your studies. This support can empower individuals who may otherwise feel discouraged and overwhelmed without the help they need." 

Homeschoolers can also learn skills that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. For instance, Hannah might talk a stressed student through a set of calming exercises, which the student may then be able to use when encountering a similar situation.

This combination of educational guidance and holistic support makes edYOU a promising tool for homeschooling parents. "With edYOU, it’s all about sharing knowledge, learning, and growing together without the pressure of social expectations or biases," Dr. Everest says. "This nurturing environment fosters confidence, allowing individuals to build their skills and self-assurance at their own pace. Such a supportive and inclusive platform can be incredibly empowering and help people thrive in a world where acceptance and understanding are sometimes hard to come by."

edYOU calls itself the "safe face of AI" because, unlike large-language models (the big-name AI chatbots you may already be familiar with), edYOU does not connect to the entirety of the internet. Instead, it is part of a closed system.

"Our system is designed to operate within specific parameters, preventing users from accessing inappropriate or harmful content," says Dr. Everest. But the program is also safe because it allows parents to check up on their child's online activities. While many parents are cautious about letting their young children interact with strangers to develop social skills, they also recognize the need to give their kids space to learn and grow independently. Through edYOU, a parent can read transcripts and watch videos of their child's interactions with the AI beings at any point.

For parents of homeschooled children, edYOU is a useful tool to consider. However, does that mean the program can't be useful to children in traditional learning environments? "Our aim is to create an all-inclusive environment that truly assists individuals seeking to improve their academic performance and outcomes," says Dr. Everest. "Whether they are in kindergarten or pursuing a medical degree, edYOU is designed to cater to their unique needs and help them achieve better grades and educational success."

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