Hwa Chong among 4 schools here in new global network on AI in education

From generating interactive graphs in economics lessons to giving feedback on students' General Paper essays, artificial intelligence (AI) has been a part of classroom life at Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) since 2023.

- Gabrielle Chan

The school has been developing its own AI tools like chatbots, and teachers can opt in for training.

HCI and three other schools here – the School of Science and Technology, Singapore (SST), Nanyang Girls' High School and Crescent Girls' School – are part of a new global network of schools studying the use of AI in education.

The Global AI Nexus of Schools (Gains), which was launched on Aug 4 at Hwa Chong Institution in Bukit Timah, aims to drive innovation and research in AI for education. HCI is the founder of Gains.

The inaugural meeting, held to mark the launch of Gains, was attended by participants from partnering schools in person and online. Schools across the globe shared about their journeys and plans for using AI.

Supported by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, a total of 23 schools from seven countries – including China, Japan and Estonia – have joined the network.

HCI principal Lee Peck Ping said in a speech on Aug 4 that the goal is to expand the group to 100 schools across 20 countries by 2027.

Schools in the Gains network will be able to take part in joint projects, exchange teaching tools and resources through an online website, and connect with other educators around the world. The network will also support research and cross-border student projects.