Minister of Education and Technical Education Mohamed Abdel-Latif has said that by making Artificial intelligence (AI) and programming compulsory “we are investing in a generation that is not only aware of technological advancements but also capable of contributing to them,” reports Reem Leila.

In a statement released by the ministry last week, Abdel-Latif said that starting the next school year students in the first year of secondary education, or grade 10, will study AI and programming.

He said it was essential for students to be exposed early to such skills to develop a robust foundation in critical and computational thinking.

Students are expected to study the basics of AI, including its history, current applications, and ethical considerations. This is in addition to an introduction to programming, with a focus on languages such as Python, known for its ease of use and wide applications in data science and AI development, according to Shadi Zalata, the ministry’s spokesman.

Zalata said students will also work on case studies and projects in which they can analyse and propose solutions using AI, fostering an understanding of how AI impacts various sectors in healthcare, finance and communication.

In order to guarantee qualified teachers, he said the ministry had taken substantial steps to prepare the teaching staff for this significant curriculum update. “Training programmes and certifications are in place to ensure educators are well-equipped to deliver these lessons at a high standard,” Abdel-Latif was quoted as saying.

The ministry, according to Akram Hassan, head of the ministry’s central administration for curriculum development, is collaborating with technical universities and international organisations to provide extensive training programmes that update teachers. New instructors with a background in computer science and technology are also being recruited to meet the anticipated demand. “This dual approach ensures both the immediate readiness of teaching personnel and the sustainability of expertise in the future,” Hassan said.

Hassan stated that over the past year, the ministry has launched training programmes in partnership with leading universities and tech firms across the country to help teachers. “To date, over 8,000 teachers have undergone specialised training in both programming and AI. This number should be sufficient to ensure that students are properly provided with practical teaching methodologies,” Hassan added.

Commenting on the new approach, Amira Al-Shafei, a senior lecturer in educational technology, stressed that while training initiatives are promising, there should be continuous assessment to ensure teachers reach the required proficiency levels. “The success of this programme hinges on maintaining high standards in teaching quality,” Al-Shafei told Al-Ahram Weekly.

Al-Shafei pointed out that introducing AI and programming to the curriculum requires not only skilled teachers but also updated technological infrastructure in schools. “Equipping schools with the necessary resources such as computer labs and reliable Internet access will be just as important as training teachers. Without these resources, the effectiveness of teaching AI and programming could be affected,” Al-Shafei said.

Zalata stated that the ministry was committed to addressing the challenges in advance. Its partnerships with all authorities concerned and educational experts will support the process, he said.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 14 November, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly