Tapping technology to prepare students for fast-changing world

Transforming education through technology, refreshing school environments to enrich students' learning experiences, and enhancing 21st century competencies these are some of the measures announced by Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing to equip students to thrive in a fast-changing world

- Elisha Tushara

He was speaking at the Ministry of Education's (MOE) Schools Work Plan Seminar on Wednesday at Singapore Expo.

The annual event brings together more than 1,600 school leaders and educators to discuss priorities and innovation in education.

The year's theme is Shaping The Future Of Learning, and the seminar looked ahead to key challenges such as a fragmenting global order, economic disruptions, and rapid technological developments, especially in the field of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

"Our students will have greater uncertainty to deal with, and they may not be able to experience the stability and peace that we have experienced in the last 20, 30 years," said Mr Chan in his opening speech at the event.

MOE's Transforming Education Through Technology (EdTech) Masterplan 2030, which will be implemented in schools progressively from 2024, was launched at the seminar.

With this masterplan, schools can leverage education technology to do more with current resources to cater to students' different learning needs, while helping teachers manage the pace of change.

"It must be our mission that we will also use technology to complement our teaching and learning to make a breakthrough," said Mr Chan.

MOE will strengthen the development of students' digital literacy, including digital information management skills that will enable them to better discern the accuracy, credibility and relevance of information.

Technological skills, especially Al literacy, will be an area of focus.

Students will learn the strengths and limitations of AI, and how to use it effectively for learning and work.