Students taught age-appropriate AI literacy skills

We agree with Mr Boon Chuan Whee that it is important to develop future-ready competencies in our students (Time to shift education away from outdated skills, embrace AI?, Nov 7).

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies has changed the way we live and work, and will continue to reshape our lives. The Ministry of Education (MOE) recognises the importance of developing our students' 21^st century competencies (21CC) like critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and information literacy, so that they can create value by leveraging AI and other technologies.

In schools, students learn about AI, learn to use AI and learn with AI, but this needs to be balanced with other important 21CC, values inculcation and foundational knowledge such as literacy, numeracy and scientific literacy.

Through an all-rounded curriculum, students can learn to engage with AI ethically, critically and purposefully, and understand the benefits and risks, as part of their learning in school. The use of AI in education must be age- and developmentally-appropriate, fit for purpose, and delivered in a pedagogically sound manner that enriches our students' learning and assessment experiences.

In addition, the cyber wellness lessons in the Character and Citizenship Education curriculum teach students to be safe, respectful and responsible users of technology and to be a positive peer influence.

MOE and schools will continue to partner parents in guiding their children to use AI in a responsible, safe and effective manner.

Lee Lin Yee
Divisional Director, Educational Technology
Ministry of Education