AI use in Singapore schools kept age-appropriate, with focus on learning not shortcuts: Desmond Lee

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in Singapore's educational system is being approached with caution and care, as outlined by Education Minister Desmond Lee. On May 6, during a parliamentary session, he emphasized that the use of AI in schools is designed to be age-appropriate and balanced, focusing on enhancing students' learning and development rather than providing shortcuts.

Minister Lee responded to inquiries regarding the safeguards in place for primary school students using AI tools developed by the Ministry of Education (MOE). He asserted that theoretical knowledge alone is inadequate; students must engage in well-structured, supervised hands-on experiences with educational AI tools. This approach, described as a "spiral approach," allows students to progress through various educational levels, preparing them to effectively utilize AI to enhance their learning while also critically assessing AI outputs and mitigating risks associated with cognitive offloading.

The Framework for AI Education

The MOE's strategy is rooted in research that informs how children learn and develop at different stages. Minister Lee outlined a tiered framework that dictates how AI is introduced to students. For those in Primary 1 to 3, the focus is on physical, hands-on learning, which helps build foundational knowledge and fosters cognitive and social skills. During these early years, students will learn the basics of AI but will not be assigned tasks that require direct AI usage.

As students reach Primary 4, they will begin to use educational AI tools under the supervision of their teachers. By this age, they are expected to have acquired foundational literacy and numeracy skills, as well as a basic understanding of AI. They will also develop essential skills such as planning, task initiation, and self-evaluation. In this stage, students from Primary 4 to 6 will only utilize tools specifically designed for educational purposes, including AI-enabled features within the Singapore Student Learning Space (SLS).

Minister Lee stressed that schools will instill the principle that AI should not be used as a shortcut to bypass actual learning. The goal is to cultivate an environment where students can develop good learning habits and appreciate the importance of academic integrity. In secondary schools, there may be assignments that allow for AI usage, but students will be required to disclose and properly cite any AI-assisted work. This practice is intended to prepare students for the realities of post-secondary education and future workplaces where AI is increasingly prevalent.

Safeguards and Parental Involvement

The MOE has implemented built-in safety guardrails within educational AI tools to safeguard students' interests, privacy, and well-being. According to Minister Lee, data collected from these MOE-developed AI tools is anonymized and is not used to train external models. Schools that utilize commercial off-the-shelf AI tools must ensure that any input data is free from personal or identifiable information, adhering to strict data management guidelines.

Addressing parental concerns regarding the exposure of young children to AI, particularly in relation to excessive screen time, Minister Lee noted that the MOE provides information on how parents can support their children's use of AI. Additionally, the ministry offers insights into how these tools are employed in teaching and encourages parents to share their feedback.

Minister Lee acknowledged the rapid development of AI and its increasing integration into everyday systems. He warned that if society does not remain vigilant, there is a risk of losing the ability to recognize AI's influence on decision-making and thought processes due to its seamless operation. Thus, he emphasized the critical need for timely development of AI literacy among students.

In response to a supplementary question from MP Kenneth Tiong regarding parental opt-out options for specific AI tool usage in classrooms, Minister Lee clarified that this would depend on whether the tool is SLS-enabled and used for classroom learning. He reiterated that such tools are integral to the teaching and learning process, enabling teachers to impart cognitive aspects and foundational knowledge more effectively.

Minister Lee compared the restriction of children's AI use in blended learning to rejecting modern teaching tools, stating, "I don't want my children to have a whiteboard, I want a blackboard." He underscored the necessity of equipping teachers with the tools they need to fulfill their roles effectively, all while adhering to MOE guidance and established teaching practices in Singapore.