Applying science and technology to promote educational innovation.

The education sector in Dak Lak is gradually and strongly spreading the application of science and technology in teaching and learning, thereby contributing to promoting educational innovation, developing students' abilities, linking theory with practice, and creating a foundation for the scientific and technological research movement in schools.

Asserting its position

Five out of six projects from Dak Lak province won awards at the National Science and Technology Research Competition for the 2025-2026 academic year, organized by the Ministry of Education and Training .

At the National Science and Technology Research Competition for the 2025-2026 academic year, organized by the Ministry of Education and Training, the Education sector of Dak Lak province continued to make its mark with 5 out of 6 projects winning awards (1 second prize, 1 third prize, and 3 fourth prizes), out of a total of 242 projects from 34 provinces and cities. This result clearly demonstrates the maturity of Dak Lak students in research thinking and the ability to apply knowledge to practice.

The project "Techno TraffiX - Applying artificial intelligence to coordinate a smart, safe, and sustainable green transportation system" by two students, Nguyen Khai Huyen (11th grade) and Phan Bao Luan (12th grade), from Le Hong Phong High School (Tay Hoa commune), was honored with the Fourth Prize.

Phan Bao Luan stated that traffic congestion is a significant problem in Vietnam, which is why his team decided to use a model to address it. The Techno TraffiX project aims to create an intelligent transportation system that contributes to reducing congestion, improving safety, and promoting sustainable development. The team's solution focuses on applying artificial intelligence combined with embedded systems to collect, analyze data, and coordinate traffic in real time. Based on this, the system can provide appropriate traffic management solutions for specific situations, optimizing vehicle flow and minimizing traffic conflicts.

In the field of Materials Science , the project "Design and fabrication of bio-imitation leather materials based on hemicellulose and cellulose nanofiber from durian peel" by two students, Nguyen Xuan Thai, grade 10, and Nguyen Dinh Bao Tran, grade 11, from Hoang Viet Primary, Secondary, and High School (Tan An ward), excellently won second prize.

The project "Design and fabrication of bio-imitation leather materials based on Hemicellulose and Cellulose Nanofiber from durian peel" by two students from Hoang Viet Primary, Secondary, and High School (Tan An ward) won second prize at the National Science and Technology Research Competition for the 2025-2026 school year.

Nguyen Dinh Bao Tran said that the locality has a large durian production, resulting in a significant amount of agricultural waste from durian peels. Based on this reality, Tran's group researched how to utilize this resource to extract hemicellulose and cellulose nanofiber (plant-derived components) from durian peels, thereby creating a bio-based artificial leather material. The research process involved many stages, from raw material processing and nanofiber purification to testing the material's film formation. The product is not only environmentally friendly but also opens up a new direction in the production of bio-materials, potentially replacing some traditional artificial leather materials.

After numerous experiments that didn't yield the desired results, we worked together to identify the mistakes and redo the process many times. In addition, the support of our supervising teacher helped the group find a solution," Tran shared.

Mr. Tran Duc Huyen, Principal of Hoang Viet Primary, Secondary, and High School, believes that the value of scientific and technical research activities lies not only in the awards but, more importantly, in the process of student growth.

According to Mr. Huyen, the topics are proposed by the students themselves, are related to real-life situations, and are supported by the school and teachers. Through this, students develop many important skills such as teamwork, independent thinking, and the ability to explore and research.

"The school aims for holistic education, not just learning for exams, but learning to develop oneself and adapt to reality," Mr. Huyen emphasized.

Evaluating the overall results, Ms. Vo Thi Minh Duyen, Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training of Dak Lak province, said that the achievements are proof of the direction of educational reform, shifting from teaching based on transmission of knowledge to developing students' competencies, encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Promoting the application of science and technology in teaching and learning.

Accompanying and exchanging ideas with students on their science and technology research projects.

In recent times, the application of science and technology in teaching has been increasingly implemented by the Education sector in Dak Lak province.

Ms. Vo Thi Minh Duyen stated: From the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, the Department has directed educational institutions to promote STEM/STEAM education (an integrated approach combining Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Art), maintain the scientific research movement among students, and organize creative experiential activities. Through this, students not only acquire knowledge but also develop practical skills, logical thinking, and the ability to apply it to real-world situations. Projects that win awards at national competitions become a source of inspiration, contributing to the spread of the scientific research movement in schools. Along with this, the teaching staff is also gradually improving their capacity to guide and access modern research methods, contributing to improving the quality of teaching and learning.

However, according to Ms. Duyen, the implementation process still faces certain difficulties. Exam pressure leads some parents to prioritize academic subjects over dedicating time to scientific and technical research. In addition, some schools in remote areas lack facilities and teaching equipment (laboratories, computers, research materials, etc.); and there is a shortage of teachers to teach integrated subjects…

Science and technology are gradually becoming an important part of teaching and learning activities in Dak Lak.

In the coming period, the Dak Lak Department of Education will advise the Provincial People's Committee to develop a long-term STEM education project throughout the province. This will serve as the basis for the Department to continue investing in facilities, laboratories, and connecting with universities and businesses to further implement scientific and technical research in high schools throughout the province, Ms. Duyen informed.

Furthermore, the Department continues to promote STEM/STEAM education in general education institutions, linking theory and research with practical applications in local areas; encouraging students to focus on practical problems of the province such as: preserving cultural identity; high-tech agriculture; ecotourism... instead of topics detached from real life. Selecting high-achieving schools as centers for disseminating information and providing technical support to schools in remote areas is also identified as an important solution to narrow the gap between regions.

With synchronized steps, science and technology are gradually becoming an important part of teaching and learning activities in Dak Lak, contributing to the formation of a generation of dynamic and creative students, meeting the requirements of development in the new era.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/giao-duc/ung-dung-khoa-hoc-ky-thuat-thuc-day-doi-moi-giao-duc-20260505134017550.htm