10 September 2024
Taiwan’s Ministry of Education (MOE) has launched an initiative to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its elementary and middle school education systems. This effort is part of a broader strategy to establish Taiwan as a leader in AI education across Asia within the next two years, according to Deputy Minister of Education Yeh Ping-cheng. The initiative reflects Taiwan’s growing commitment to fostering digital literacy and preparing students for the future of work in a technology-driven world.
AI education at all levels
The Ministry, led by Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao, has made significant strides in advancing AI education. A key milestone is the establishment of the Taiwan AI College Alliance, designed to enhance AI curricula at the university level. This alliance connects academic institutions with cutting-edge AI developments, ensuring that university students receive top-tier education in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.
The push for AI education doesn’t stop at higher education. Taiwan’s high schools are beginning to offer AI courses, while younger students in elementary and junior high schools are being introduced to generative AI learning partners—interactive tools that help students explore AI concepts in an engaging way. To further motivate students, the Ministry has organised AI competitions, fostering creativity and application of AI models in real-world problem-solving scenarios.
Tailored AI programs for high school students
The MOE has also commissioned National Taiwan Normal University’s Department of Technology Application and Human Resource Development and National Taiwan University’s Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering to develop specialised AI courses for high school students. Professors Tsai Yun-cheng and Chang Jie-fan are spearheading this effort by designing a variety of elective AI courses aimed at students nationwide, including those in vocational schools.
To ensure equitable access to these courses, Tsai and Chang developed an online system that reviews students’ program codes, facilitating distance learning and making quality AI education accessible to students in both urban and rural settings. This semester, 23 high schools and vocational schools, including two located in remote areas, are participating in this pioneering program, offering students a chance to explore the world of AI through elective coursework.
Expanding opportunities for younger students
Beyond high school, the Ministry has extended its focus to junior high and elementary students by collaborating with National Cheng Kung University’s Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering. Led by Professor Su Wen-yu, the collaboration involves organising AI competitions specifically for younger students. These competitions challenge students to apply AI models to real-world problems, nurturing critical thinking and practical application skills from an early age.
This year, the AI competition is expanding into an international online event, encouraging participation from students across borders. The MOE also introduced a new AI learning partner on its official website, designed to bridge the digital learning gap between urban and rural students, ensuring that all students have the tools and resources to engage with AI technologies.
A vision for the future of digital learning
In conjunction with its AI initiatives, the MOE recently unveiled its Digital Teaching Guidelines 3.0. These guidelines are intended to promote active involvement from both principals and parents in the digital learning journey of students. By fostering collaboration among educators, parents, and students, the Ministry aims to create a holistic digital learning environment that prepares students to thrive in an increasingly digitalised world.
