Introducing an AI assistant for teachers.

On October 19th, STEAM for Vietnam, together with Meta, Vietnet-ICT, and HOCMAI, officially announced the project “Octo AI: Teachers in the New AI Era,” a pioneering initiative to integrate artificial intelligence into general education.

The interface of the OctoAI project has just been unveiled. The project is considered to have many advantages, especially its localization capabilities and its adherence to the roadmap of the Ministry of Education and Training . (Image: Screenshot)

This project supports teachers in the new AI era, aiming for "AI education for all," making AI knowledge and skills accessible, widespread, and a fundamental competency in teaching.

In the context of rapidly evolving global educational technology, Vietnamese teachers still face numerous challenges: large class sizes, a lack of truly interactive learning materials, and limited access to international resources. These difficulties hinder the effectiveness of innovative teaching methods. Therefore, the application of artificial intelligence is expected to become a powerful tool, helping teachers enhance their capabilities and create more relevant learning experiences for students.

Dr. Tran Viet Hung – Founder and CEO of STEAM for Vietnam shared: “We have directly trained and impacted nearly 100,000 teachers, witnessing how AI helps teachers increase efficiency and reduce manual tasks to focus on their core mission: nurturing knowledge and inspiring students. But to reach 2 million teachers, we need a breakthrough solution and a network of domestic and international partners. With OctoAI – a 24/7 tutoring program with autonomous learning pace, hands-on learning, and ready-to-use classroom application – we can expand nationwide, realizing the strategy of using AI to accelerate AI learning for the general public. Ultimately, the quality of education depends on the quality of teachers.”

The biggest difference in this project lies in its dual model: one assistant provides a localized AI learning resource library, while the other acts as an "online tutor," directly supporting teachers in developing digital skills and suggesting applications in the classroom. OctoAI not only delivers knowledge but also fosters application skills – a key factor in helping teachers adapt to the new AI era. Furthermore, OctoAI is developed with an intuitive interface, allowing teachers to easily track progress, participate in classes, and manage their learning journey.

In particular, the system can automatically build a complete multimedia course with accompanying questions with just one request, while also supporting instant adjustments according to user preferences. With this combination, OctoAI becomes a comprehensive tool, helping teachers save time, improve efficiency, and quickly master practical skills.

Ms. Ngo Minh Trang, Director of Vietnet Information Technology and Communication Center (Vietnet-ICT), stated: "Over the years of implementing the 'Digital Age Thinking' program with Meta, Vietnet-ICT has witnessed a significant change in the digital awareness and skills of teachers, students, and parents. The 'OctoAI - New AI-Age Teachers' project is a natural continuation, taking digital capabilities further into the field of understanding and interacting with artificial intelligence, aiming to help Vietnamese teachers and students prepare for a smart education future. The greatest value of the project is providing teachers with a learning journey that is both up-to-date and practical, from 'What is AI?' to how to apply it immediately in the classroom, linked to competency standards and professional ethics. Lessons are designed flexibly with videos , images, and review questions, allowing teachers to self-learn, receive instant feedback, and have a personalized learning path. Simultaneously, OctoAI is always available 24/7 to provide solutions." They appreciate and suggest its application, while instructors and teaching assistants periodically support its integration into teaching.”

By October 2025, the project will have completed its technical and content development phase, launching a trial version at the Meta AI Conference in Singapore and making it widely available at the STEAMese Festival 2025. The next step, starting in December 2025, will involve expanding the pilot training program to 5,000 secondary school teachers nationwide, marking a significant step in the roadmap for AI adoption in education. Research activities extending to 2026 will provide scientific data and policy recommendations, contributing to the implementation of Resolution 71 of the Ministry of Education and Training, and paving the way for nationwide scaling up of the model.

A unique aspect of the study is its comparative, controlled approach. Specifically, out of over 5,000 participating teachers, approximately 2,500 directly used the application, while another 2,500 only accessed conventional learning resources. This division into two groups allows for objective monitoring and comparison of results: which group saved more time, which group improved their digital skills better, and which group found teaching more convenient. As a result, the project can provide compelling evidence of OctoAI's effectiveness and create a scientific basis for scaling up the model nationwide.

Sharing his thoughts on the project, Mr. Pham Giang Linh, General Director of HOCMAI, the co-research unit, said: “With nearly two decades of experience working alongside Vietnamese teachers and students, we understand that educational innovation can only succeed when teachers are supported with appropriate tools. OctoAI was developed with that in mind, becoming a powerful assistant to help teachers save time, optimize teaching, and gradually personalize learning for each student, contributing to improving the quality and effectiveness of learning in the age of AI.”

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/giao-duc/ra-mat-tro-ly-tri-tue-nhan-tao-cho-giao-vien-20251019144101887.htm