State schools' summer seminar opens in Narva, focuses on AI in education
A two-day summer seminar for Estonian state schools, "Narva Without Borders," has opened in Narva to discuss challenges in education, including the use of artificial intelligence. The event was opened by Education and Research Minister Kristina Kallas.
Representatives of Estonian state schools have gathered in Narva for a two-day summer seminar titled "Narva Without Borders." The event is organized by the Narva Estonian Gymnasium, the State School for Adults, and the Ida-Viru Vocational Education Centre.
Narva Estonian Gymnasium director Irene Käosaar told a national broadcaster that the main value of such seminars lies in getting to know other schools and being able to discuss various issues with colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere. She said the seminar helps build new connections with schools from different regions of Estonia.
Artificial intelligence in schools
The seminar was opened in the North Yard of Narva Castle by Education and Research Minister Kristina Kallas, who said artificial intelligence is one of the key challenges facing education today. According to her, fighting against it makes no sense, just as resisting the printing press once made no sense.
Kallas said AI needs to be integrated into the learning process, which in turn means the learning process itself must change significantly. She noted that assigning written essays as homework no longer makes sense, saying she is nearly certain that students now complete such assignments with the help of artificial intelligence.
Gymnasium reform
The minister also said a reform of upper-secondary (gymnasium) education is needed so that all gymnasiums become state schools. However, she acknowledged this is a complicated political issue due to opposition from many local municipalities.
