Estonia’s Students Face Widening AI Skills Gap as Schools Prepare for Major Tech Leap

Estonia's Students Display Varied AI Skills Ahead of Educational Tech Advance

Estonia is advancing its "AI leap" initiative, working alongside OpenAI—the creators of ChatGPT—and focusing on teacher training to better integrate artificial intelligence in education. However, there remains a significant gap in AI proficiency among students, according to educators.

Three Distinct Groups of AI Users in Schools

Lauri Mällo, a biology teacher at Jaan Poska High School in Tartu, observes that students fall into three categories based on their AI use. About 10% use AI tools very effectively, which supports and enhances their learning. Another 10% use AI in a very basic way, which can actually hinder their progress. The remaining majority are somewhere in between, with inconsistent use.

Mällo notes that the divide between the most skilled and less capable users is growing. While many students have adapted to using AI in their studies, the disparity highlights the need for structured support and equal access to technology.

Gradual Changes Expected in AI Integration

Despite the enthusiasm around AI, Mällo does not expect immediate, sweeping changes this academic year. He anticipates some refinements and more specific guidelines but no major transformation yet. This cautious approach follows a planned pilot program set for the next school year, aiming to improve effective AI use in classrooms.

The pilot program seeks to:

• Raise awareness about the importance of AI in education
• Create consistent practices and standards for AI use
• Offer equal opportunities for students regardless of their access to technology

Long-Term Vision: Shifting How AI Is Used in Learning

Ivo Visak, director of the AI Leap initiative, emphasizes a broader goal of encouraging a different mindset toward AI. Current AI models provide quick answers, which has utility in teaching but may negatively affect students' critical thinking abilities. The initiative aims to balance AI’s benefits with fostering analytical skills.

Visak also mentioned hopes for collaboration between the public and private sectors to fund the program, though exact costs are yet to be determined.

Teacher Training to Kick Off in August

Riin Saadjärv, head of educational technology at Estonia’s Ministry of Education and Research, outlined the initial steps of the AI leap:

• Starting August 21, teachers will attend a two-day training session on AI.
• Following this, an online course will be available via the Moodle platform, offering resources to help teachers plan AI-integrated lessons.
• Monthly virtual training sessions and teacher learning groups within schools will support ongoing professional development and experience sharing.

Negotiations with OpenAI are underway for the development of a dedicated AI app for schools, with a beta version expected by September. Continuous development will follow to refine the tool.

For educators interested in enhancing their AI skills and integrating AI tools into teaching, exploring comprehensive courses can provide practical knowledge and techniques. Resources like Complete AI Training's latest courses offer structured learning paths tailored for education professionals.