Ho Chi Minh City tests AI education in high schools

Under the plan, AI teaching will first be implemented in four high schools for gifted students, along with advanced, internationally integrated schools and digital schools.

Other schools across the city may participate depending on their specific conditions and readiness.

These educational institutions are given flexibility to choose one or a combination of three approaches to delivering AI content.

They include integrating AI into existing subjects and educational activities within the national curriculum, offering elective thematic modules or standalone topics, and organizing enhanced learning through clubs, extracurricular activities, or enrichment programs.

The department noted that integrating AI into existing subjects is the preferred approach, as it ensures broad access for students while avoiding curriculum overload.

Alongside technical knowledge, the program places strong emphasis on ethical education, critical thinking skills, and a sense of responsibility, ensuring honesty and scientific standards in the use and application of AI.

According to the department, the introduction of AI education is intended to contribute to the development of students’ core competencies, including digital literacy, AI literacy, computer science skills, technological competence, self-directed learning, and problem-solving abilities.

The program is also designed to equip students with foundational knowledge and basic practical skills in AI.

Also, the initiative seeks to foster essential qualities for the safe and responsible use of AI in both learning and daily life.

This is seen as a crucial step in preparing students to actively participate in the digital environment amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The pilot program will serve as a basis for research, review, and evaluation.

The results are expected to inform proposals for more appropriate and scalable AI education models for different levels of general education in Ho Chi Minh City in the coming academic years.