Education Minister, Dr. Michael Dowlath, says the introduction of AI-supported learning materials in schools is part of a broader reform agenda aimed at strengthening the national education system, while ensuring equitable access for all students.
Minister of Education, Dr. Michael Dowlath, has doubled down on plans to include Artificial Intelligence in the learning process for students.
Speaking at the Spoken Word and Poetry Competition, held Tuesday at the Petrotrin Staff Club in Pointe-à-Pierre, he emphasised that the new learning tools are intended to ensure uniform standards across the education system, particularly for vulnerable students.
“The AI-supported learning materials that we have provided, especially for all students, is aligned to the Ministry of Education curriculum. And we are ensuring that all students, especially those who are vulnerable, will have the same standard of learning materials throughout the education system in Trinidad and Tobago. This goes in tandem with our laptop initiative.”
He also outlined upcoming changes to curriculum delivery.
Dr. Dowlath said the Ministry is exploring the introduction of continuous assessment at the primary school level, aimed at reducing the pressure associated with the Secondary Entrance Assessment Exam.
“So that at the Ministry of Education we are looking at all of the reforms to maintain the standards in terms of curriculum delivery, but also to ensure that the students are the centre of it. They find time to engage in activities besides the academics where they can holistically develop themselves.”
The Minister further highlighted reforms to the Student Support Services Division, noting that data collected from schools is being used to better support students.
“We are looking now at the data we collected from all the schools, those students who have learning challenges, those with autism, and those with ADHD. We are using various strategies for academic success, but also to… Recently, we launched a national school code of conduct to help them to understand how to behave within the context of the school environment.”
Dr. Dowlath added that the support system extends beyond students to include parents and educators.