AI in school, what to prepare?

On the morning of October 25, the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission coordinated with Saigon Giai Phong newspaper to organize a discussion on promoting the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and training.

Mr. Huynh Thanh Dat - Member of the Central Committee of the Party, Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department - speaks at the seminar - Photo: THANH HIEP

In his opening remarks at the AI ​​seminar, Mr. Nguyen Khac Van, Acting Editor-in-Chief of Saigon Giai Phong newspaper, stated: "Initial practice shows that AI is opening up many new opportunities for Vietnamese education . However, alongside the enormous benefits, the application of AI in education also poses many challenges: from data security issues, academic ethics, teachers' digital competence, to the risk of technological dependence, and infrastructure disparities between regions…"

How can AI serve humanity, rather than replace it, so that technology truly promotes fairness and humanity in education? These are the issues that need to be discussed in depth at the seminar."

Teach students to be responsible for their digital behavior.

"To promote the application of AI, the school started with fundamental steps such as building infrastructure, training teachers, and combining this with innovation in teaching and learning methods," shared Ms. Do Ngoc Chi, Principal of Nguyen Binh Khiem Primary School (Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City), at the seminar.

Principal Do Ngoc Chi of Nguyen Binh Khiem Primary School (Saigon Ward) presented a paper at the seminar.

According to Ms. Chi, the school has invested in a "Digital Skill Classroom" with an area of ​​48m², featuring an open, flexible, and modern design. The room is equipped with 40 tablets, a Smart TV, high-speed internet, a sound system and air conditioning, along with posters, slogans, and QR codes for learning about online safety and digital citizenship principles.

"That space is not just a technology classroom, but also an educational environment that fosters values ​​in the digital age – where students learn to master technology, rather than being controlled by it."

The management staff and teachers received training on utilizing digital learning materials and AI tools to support teaching; applying LMS platforms, Microsoft Teams, and online classroom management software; and integrating digital citizenship skills into lectures and experiential activities.

"In particular, teachers are encouraged to shift from 'imparting knowledge' to 'guiding competencies,' using technology and AI as companions to help students think critically, creatively, and behave respectfully in the online space," Ms. Chi informed.

Building upon this foundation, Nguyen Binh Khiem School has implemented innovative approaches to lesson planning and teaching organization, integrating technology and AI.

Teachers use AI-powered tools to design engaging and visually appealing lessons; create practical learning scenarios; and personalize learning tasks to suit each student.

"In the Digital Skills Room, students learn how to search for and evaluate accurate information; practice safe behavior, respect copyright and personal data; and explore artificial intelligence through digital technology clubs and AI clubs. As a result, they not only use devices but also understand and take responsibility for their digital behavior – a core competency of citizens in the AI ​​era," Ms. Chi affirmed.

3 strategic pillars

Ms. Nguyen Phuong Lan, General Director of EMG Education, presented a paper at the seminar.

At the seminar, Ms. Nguyen Phuong Lan, General Director of EMG Education Group, informed that EMG implements groundbreaking AI-based solutions in general education based on three strategic pillars: English language training; Digital skills training; and Core technologies applying AI combined with the Metaverse.

Meanwhile, Ms. Pham Thi Be Hien, Principal of Le Hong Phong Specialized High School (Cho Quan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City), shared that the school has been teaching artificial intelligence to students for the past 7 years.

Ms. Pham Thi Be Hien, Principal of Le Hong Phong Specialized High School, presented a paper at the seminar.

Initially, the school offered two levels: a general course for 10th-grade students and an advanced, in-depth course for students interested in AI research. After some time, the school adjusted to three levels of instruction: general; advanced - applied; and advanced - in-depth research for students aiming to pursue AI studies at the university level.

She stated that the biggest challenge currently is the lack of teachers with proper training in AI. "We have to contract with university lecturers and AI engineers to teach this subject to students. Simultaneously, the school also organizes in-depth training for IT teachers, and teachers proactively pursue further education to meet practical requirements," she said.

Five recommendations to boost AI in education.

Duong Anh Duc, Head of the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, delivered the opening remarks at the seminar.

In his concluding remarks at the seminar, Mr. Huynh Thanh Dat, Member of the Central Committee of the Party and Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department, presented five recommendations to promote the application of AI in education and training.

Firstly, Mr. Dat suggested that the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Science and Technology should promptly advise the Government to issue guiding documents for implementing the AI ​​strategy in education; especially an AI ethics framework in schools and AI programs and materials for the secondary school level.

Secondly , we propose that the Government and relevant ministries and agencies establish a Digital Transformation Fund for Higher Education – a strategic investment fund with groundbreaking mechanisms and policies to attract social resources and encourage businesses to invest in digital infrastructure and AI solutions in education and training.

Thirdly , we propose that higher education institutions and training facilities proactively take the lead in innovation. They should learn from successful models, such as the proactive establishment of autonomous Digital Transformation Institutes, technologically independent, as the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade has done, instead of passively relying on external solutions.

In addition, Mr. Dat urged the business community to change their mindset, shifting from the role of passive "employers" to the position of "co-creators" of human resources. "Consider data sharing and co-investment in the Digital Twin as the most profitable investment for the future of your business," he said.

Finally, Mr. Dat suggested that news agencies and the press continue their mission of disseminating information and raising awareness about both the benefits and challenges of AI, creating social consensus and a proactive mindset for integration among the people.

HOANG HUONG - THANH HIEP

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ai-vao-truong-hoc-can-chuan-bi-gi-20251025130313225.htm