AI’s potential to transform education sector recognised – Manickchand

…says teachers already incorporating tech into lesson plans

Amid technological advancements being seen in several sectors both locally and globally, Education Minister Priya Manickchand has recently stated her stance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) being used by teachers in the classroom.
The Minister during a recent appearance on the Guyana Dialogue noted that the use of AI is still being examined by stakeholders across the world. She added that Guyana has already attended several high-level engagements on the topic.
“The use of AI is being examined at conferences around the world, so the world still hasn’t decided how they’re going to us AI in education. The entire convocation setting up gatherings all over, particularly in Latin America. I have been invited to quite a few and I know we have attended a few from the technical level about how AI can impact education, how it can be used, what the harms are.”

Whilst the Minister has a strong stance on traditional teaching methods being the most effective in the classroom, she explained that integrating technology with these traditional methods could significantly improve the learning process.
“So, we know a couple of things. COVID taught us all that the premier way of delivering education remains a teacher in front of the classroom. But we also learned that we could amplify what we’re doing and we can supplement what we’re doing by and facilitate better learning through both physical presence as well as the infusion of technology and technology aided learning.”
On this point the Minster noted that some teachers have already begun to integrate the new technology into their work. However, she noted that this is only done in moderation, adding that more research and systems must be put in place before teachers are allowed to fully utilise the tech.
“I am aware that some teachers have begun to use AI in their classrooms to indicate, to teach children that it can be both harmful and useful, but we haven’t fully incorporated. I don’t think anyone has. I think we’re still studying. We are sure it’s here to stay and that it will have great benefits. But there are also some drawbacks. We are looking to make sure when we do implement that it is done with as many as we know, fully informed with whatever information we have at a time.”
One obstacle the Minister noted that the Ministry would have to overcome to fully implement AI into the country’s education system is internet connectivity.
“And so, it’s only a matter of time before we are forced to adopt policies in and around AI. I wouldn’t want to rush it. Like I said, it’s new. And while we don’t want to follow, as you said, there are peculiarities in the country regarding accessibility to online, to Internet and so on that have to be considered when you’re making country-wide policy.”
Additionally, the Minister revealed that the country’s first digital school will be upended shortly.
“And so, in the next two or three weeks, I’m not giving away the date, that’s his to tell, the President is going to be launching the Caribbean’s first digital school, e-school, where the idea is to allow children, so we have to change some laws and so on, to stay, to homeschool if they want to, or to go to school and have reinforcements through the digital school. So, all our curriculum will be uploaded and he’s opening this school to the Caribbean, the wider Caribbean. So, we’re actually working with a company out of India to build that out. And that’s being done robustly now as we speak.”
Guyana’s first digital school
The first-ever ‘Guyana Digital School’ will soon be established by the Government as part of national plans to create a fully functional digital economy, President Dr Irfaan Ali unveiled this innovative initiative during a special session of Parliament.
This school will cover nursery education all the way to Grade 12. Tutors will be part of the venture to support teaching Guyana’s curriculum. However, Ali noted that there will also be a focus on nursing, accounting, entrepreneurship and remedial education in the evenings. Various extracurricular activities will also be done via the online platform.
Moreover, the President noted that the new school would also be opened to learners from CARICOM member states. “In fulfilling our promise of ensuring that our propensity redounds to the prosperity of the region, this Guyana Digital School will also be available for CARICOM citizens,” he said.