Coding education is shifting away from typing lines of syntax toward directing artificial intelligence. As schools introduce generative AI to students, educators and parents want guardrails to keep these tools safe and productive. A new classroom approach teaches children how to guide AI models through creative programming.
What Happened
The educational technology startup imagi recently secured a $4.5 million seed funding round to expand its platform. The software helps students move from basic computer science to AI-assisted development. Founded in 2018 by Dora Palfi and Beatrice Ionascu, the company is backed by investors supporting the platform, including Brighteye Ventures, Day One Capital, and musician will.i.am.
As we previously reported, the platform teaches students "vibe coding." In this practice, users describe what they want to build in plain English, and AI translates those prompts into functional software. To do this safely, imagi integrated "Lovable," an AI tool that is a protected environment for student creators rather than letting them use commercial AI platforms directly.
The Bigger Picture
Schools have relied on block-based programming or traditional languages like Python to introduce computer science. Under imagi's model, the process begins with foundational coding. Students first learn to write Python scripts, which they can visualize using the company’s imagiCharm physical device or digital screen avatars.
Once students master these basics, they transition to natural-language programming. During a recent educational visit to Springfield schools, students used Lovable to input simple instructions and view the generated code immediately. This sequence teaches prompt engineering and logical iteration. According to a report on a recent Code/Art creative coding hackathon, students must define their target audience, draft a prompt, test the AI's output, diagnose errors, and refine their commands.
Major artificial intelligence companies are also focusing on education. For instance, OpenAI senior advisor Moritz Baier-Lentz's bio highlights his graduate credentials in general education from Stanford University. Tech companies are increasingly building tools specifically for classrooms rather than relying on standard commercial products.
What This Means for Families
For parents and educators, the main benefit is safety. Commercial AI systems often lack child safety protocols and carry data privacy risks. As an intermediary layer, the imagi Edu dashboard allows teachers to manage student data privacy and compliance directly.
The platform also focuses on gender-inclusive STEM education. Initially designed to engage girls in technology, the curriculum relies on creative, art-centric coding projects. Programs like the Code/Art partnership show how creative hackathons lower barriers to entry, making computer science welcoming to girls.
Although the tools are rated for students in grades 3 through 12, some educators adapt these concepts for younger children. For example, STEM teacher Lisa Haines uses these creator-focused tools for students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. This shows that foundational computational thinking can begin before middle school.
What You Can Do
When selecting AI tools for your children, prioritize platforms that act as a buffer between the child and a raw language model.
Encourage students to view AI output as a draft. They should learn to debug errors and refine their written instructions instead of accepting the first result.
Finally, look for tools that combine programming with physical gadgets or visual art to keep learners engaged.