Public schools bring in AI and virtual learning technologies

TDT | Manama

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Virtual classrooms, AI tutors and robotics kits are being rolled out across public schools, as part of a wide move by the Education Ministry to bring teaching methods in line with the digital age.

Education Minister, His Excellency Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, told Parliament the ministry is working to update school curricula with the use of artificial intelligence, 3D modelling, robotics, and both augmented and virtual reality.

He was replying to a question from MP Dr Muneer Seroor, who had raised concerns over schools’ readiness for digital change and the technical demands that come with it.

Interactive software Dr Juma said that work is ongoing to supply schools with interactive software to support learning in the classroom and beyond.

Teachers will be able to present lessons in more visual, engaging ways, while students will have access to new tools for self-learning.

The ministry is also rolling out online learning platforms, offering pupils and teachers a space to exchange lessons and feedback remotely.

These will be backed by onsite technical teams at schools to deal with outages and errors.

Policy and guidance

He said the ministry is writing policy and guidance on the use of artificial intelligence in teaching.

A separate project called the “Safe Use of Technology” is being launched to teach pupils how to get the most out of online tools while avoiding the common pitfalls.

The minister pointed to a broader shift toward online access, with parents and pupils now able to reach teachers, schools, and the ministry itself via portals, phone apps, and the national web gateway.

Digital habits

In a written response given to Dr Seroor, the ministry said it had already begun shaping lessons and teaching methods to match today’s digital habits, and that staff are being made aware of how to work with the tools being introduced.

That includes building up school internet networks, putting in place protective tools for users, and adjusting university and technical training programmes to suit fields linked with artificial intelligence.

Training is being offered on AI ethics, how to work with tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, and how to use them in lessons without over-relying on automation.

Year-round plan

On the state of school infrastructure and staff preparation, Dr Juma said the ministry is working through a year-round plan covering everything from supervision and upkeep to teacher training.

Wireless internet is being upgraded. Classrooms are being fitted with digital learning systems. Lessons and assessments will soon be managed through online dashboards.

School data is being protected by new security measures. And technical teams are being formed to help teachers and pupils when things go wrong.

Equipment

Dr Juma added that the ministry has teamed up with firms including Microsoft to supply equipment and train teachers on how to use it.

Elsewhere, the ministry is guiding pupils on how to find proper sources of information, how to treat learning as a steady pursuit, and how to avoid academic cheating.

The guidance comes amid concern over the use of tools like ChatGPT to complete assignments, and the spread of plagiarism in school projects and research.