Proposal to let students 'learn AI from grade 1', parents are divided

What do parents and students say about the proposal to teach and learn AI from grade 1?

A digital classroom at a primary school in Ho Chi Minh City - Photo: MY DUNG

Recently, Mr. Truong Gia Binh, Chairman of the Board of Directors ofFPT Group, proposed introducing artificial intelligence (AI) into the curriculum for students starting from grade 1, with the hope that Vietnam will soon become an AI-driven nation. This proposal has received much attention from students and parents in Ho Chi Minh City and has generated lively discussions on social media.

Speaking to Tuổi Trẻ newspaper, Ms. Dinh Thi Thuy, from District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, a parent with a child in primary school, said that in the context of the whole world paying attention to AI and the widespread applications of artificial intelligence in life, she strongly supports the introduction of AI into primary school curricula starting from grade 1.

"I support popularizing AI from the first grade. Let's introduce children to new things that the world will need in their time," said Ms. Thuy.

However, many parents also believe that teaching AI from the first grade is too early.

"Leaving aside the objective factors that may or may not facilitate the implementation of AI education in schools, I still believe that teaching AI to students from the first grade is too early."

"To learn about AI applications in life, students need to have a basic understanding of computer science and know how to use computers, phones, or iPads. What do first-grade students know about these things? It's absurd to suggest teaching AI from the first grade," Mr. Nguyen, a parent who is an IT engineer, told Tuoi Tre newspaper.

Mr. Nguyen added that this doesn't even take into account the impact on the health of elementary school students using phones, computers, etc. "Early exposure to AI is good, but how to learn scientifically and effectively is a matter that needs discussion," Mr. Nguyen stated.

According to Ms. Tú, a parent whose child is studying computer science at a prestigious specialized high school in Ho Chi Minh City, her child started learning computer science in the 6th grade and has now made significant progress and developed a special love for the subject.

"I believe that every student has their own talents and interests. By the time they finish studying computer science in 6th grade, students will know what they like, and they also have a lot of social knowledge that makes them want to apply AI to their daily lives."

"This is also the time when new subjects begin, giving students the opportunity to develop skills and career orientations naturally. This age is really more suitable than starting from first grade," Ms. Tú shared.

Preventing students from becoming dependent on and misusing AI is a major concern.

Speaking with Tuổi Trẻ newspaper, Mr. Do Tran Binh Minh - General Director of AI Education (an authorized partner of Google Education in Vietnam) - shared: AI Education participates with global educators in the TeachAI initiative (established by the World Economic Forum).

They have conducted numerous discussions and studies regarding the age at which AI can be used, and there are still many differing and cautious viewpoints on this new issue. For example, Google's Gemini artificial intelligence application clearly stipulates a minimum age of 13 for use.

This initiative is also proposing a global policy on AI in education, in which ethical issues, avoiding abuse and dependence on students are of great concern.

Currently, AI Education is collaborating with Saigon University to develop and pilot an AI program for students starting from grade 3. This program aims to familiarize students with the concepts of AI and data, and more importantly, to foster an awareness of safe and responsible AI usage from a very young age.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/de-xuat-de-hoc-sinh-hoc-ai-tu-lop-1-phu-huynh-nguoi-khoai-nguoi-khong-20250211193216793.htm