Latest news with #BazNijjar
Khaleej Times
23-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Educators call for training teachers as AI becomes mandatory subject from next academic year
School leaders across the UAE are viewing the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into public school curricula — from kindergarten through Grade 12 — as a 'transformational opportunity' for both students and educators. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, AI will be introduced as a formal subject in public schools nationwide. Veteran educators have praised the Ministry of Education's (MoE) initiative, emphasising that embedding AI in the curriculum will equip students with essential skills and mindsets for the future. Baz Nijjar, Baz Nijjar, vice president – Education Technology and Digital Innovation at GEMS Education, said, 'It's a great initiative. The government and the region are always striving to be at the forefront of innovation — constantly exploring current demands, skills, and needs. He emphasised AI, like any other skill set, is evolving based on our understanding of the world around us. 'In the early years, children may be introduced to specific terminology and concepts. It's more about how we adapt the latest skill requirements to suit their developmental stage. 'For instance, while young children in kindergarten may not use AI tools directly, they still need to develop foundational skills like prompting and questioning — which go hand in hand. It's about aligning these broader, common requirements with age-appropriate learning that supports their personal, holistic, and individual development. This includes nurturing their ability to question, distinguish between real and fictional content, and to grasp basic technological concepts, as they're increasingly exposed to such ideas early on,' he added. Stages of learning Under the new initiative, each stage of learning in public schools will be thoughtfully designed to match students' developmental levels. In kindergarten, children will explore digital ideas through stories, visuals, and play. In early grades they'll start to compare human and machine abilities and build digital thinking skills. In middle school years, they'll dive deeper into AI design, bias in algorithms, and ethics. By high school, students will be tackling real-world problems and learning advanced AI concepts like command engineering. Mohammed Ali Kottakulam, principal, The Central School Dubai, said, 'Many (private) schools have already implemented AI into their curriculum, starting with the basics right from primary school, and the advanced curriculum is followed in middle and higher classes. I think the decision is praiseworthy and will benefit and empower the young generation for future requirements.' Other principals of private institutions also pointed out that for many grades the AI subject is already integrated into existing school schedules. Principal, Abhilasha Singh, Shining Star International, said, 'Schools are introducing a progressive AI curriculum from Grades 6 to 10 to equip students with essential future-ready skills. In the middle school years, learners explore AI basics through interactive activities like games and storytelling, covering topics such as data, NLP, and computer vision, along with ethics like bias and privacy. 'By Grades 9 and 10, AI is offered as a CBSE skill subject, with students learning about neural networks, machine learning, and real-world applications. A balanced 50-mark theory and 50-mark practical assessment ensures both conceptual understanding and hands-on experience — preparing students for careers in AI and beyond,' she added. Focus on teacher training However, educators emphasised one key area that requires attention is teacher training. Neetha Shetty, Principal, Al Diyafah High School, said, 'To implement this curriculum meaningfully, our educators must be empowered with the right knowledge, tools, and ongoing support. 'AI education should be introduced gradually from primary school, with age-appropriate progression into middle and high school. However, given the rapid pace of technological change, the current cohort of high school students has not had the opportunity to go through the gradual progression. Therefore, they must engage with AI education immediately to remain competitive and adequately prepared for the evolving job market.' Shetty explained AI concepts are being thoughtfully integrated into the school curriculum, ensuring that students are not only aware of emerging technologies but are also equipped to use them responsibly and effectively. 'Simultaneously, we are investing in continuous professional development for our teachers — empowering them through targeted training sessions and cultivating a mindset that embraces AI as a tool for enhancing teaching and learning. This dual approach ensures that both students and educators are well-prepared to thrive in an AI-driven world,' she added.
Khaleej Times
12-03-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: 94% students use AI tools to study but many experience tech-related stress
94 per cent of students in the UAE use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for studying, but many report experiencing tech-related stress. That's according to the latest research from Studiosity's Student Wellbeing Report, conducted by YouGov, which elaborates that around two-thirds of students face stress linked to AI, with 70 per cent of UAE students expecting AI support tools from their schools or universities, the highest expectation globally. The stress stems from concerns such as the possibility of AI providing incorrect information, fear of plagiarism accusations or violating university rules, and worries about potential data leaks. Baz Nijjar, Vice President – Education Technology and Digital Innovation, GEMS Education, said, 'Workshops and training sessions led by staff in our schools and external partners such as Microsoft, HP, and Intel are focused on ensuring students understand how and when to use AI to support their personal needs. Our working groups, which include teachers and students, are researching on where best to incorporate AI literacy into our curriculum, ensuring students understand how AI works and how to use it responsibly, thereby reducing any potential anxiety associated with the unknown or fear of missing out.' He added, 'Our schools are well-versed in offering counselling and support services to help students manage stress, and this is extended to technology cases where required.' Understanding pain points As far as possible, schools often involve parents in the learning process, providing them with resources and workshops to understand AI tools, so that they can support their children's learning journey effectively. Schools heads also reiterated that AI tools have the potential to significantly enrich students' learning by offering personalised and adaptive educational experiences. 'For instance, adaptive learning systems utilise AI to tailor educational content to individual student needs, promoting more effective learning outcomes. However, we acknowledge that the integration of AI is not without challenges. Concerns such as AI-assisted plagiarism and the potential for over-reliance on technology are valid and require proactive mitigation measures, as well as the need to train students on when and how to use AI effectively and ethically.' Equitable access to AI tools In an era where technology is reshaping education, experts highlighted the importance of equitable access to AI tools across institutions. Prof Judyth Sachs, Chief Academic Officer at Studiosity, says: 'When students have equitable access to tools provided by their university, they know they are approved for use and appropriate for use in a learning environment. Not only does this reduce stress levels around inappropriate or unsafe use of AI tools, but it also means that students can equitably access the same AI-powered resources, regardless of their study mode, background, or preferences.' School leaders emphasised that the solution lies not in avoidance but in education and awareness. It's crucial to teach students how, when, and why to use AI effectively, ensuring it becomes a helpful tool rather than a source of anxiety. Abhilasha Singh Principal, Shining Star International, earlier said, 'We have AI as a skill-based subject in Middle school because by then their understanding is evolved. AI is here to stay and is going to be a part of our lives. So, bringing this awareness to children is important. It is a part of our curriculum. We also have a responsibility to prepare our students for future job market. We can't ignore it so we better adopt it. But there is a lot of ethics involved around it. Academic integrity is important.' 'I also support the use of AI technology for teachers as it assists with lesson preparation, making the process more time-efficient,' she added.
