On Wednesday, April 15, the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES), in cooperation with the State Education Development Agency, announces a new national-scale initiative on artificial intelligence (AI) in education and its first program on AI in general and vocational education. The program begins with the creation of a national-level AI expert community and an AI leader school network.
The program's goal is to ensure by 2030 that Latvian students, teachers, and educational institution leaders are skilled and responsible AI users who utilize the opportunities provided by AI and manage technology-related risks. This multi-year program includes diverse training and experience exchange activities, the development of teaching and methodological materials and guidelines, the preparation of a library of resources and best practice examples, as well as the revision of national curriculum and educational programmes in various subject areas.
Dace Melbārde, Minister of Education and Science: "Upon taking office, one of my priorities was the purposeful implementation of AI in education. In creating our national vision for AI in education, we have taken into account international best practices, including the experience of neighbouring countries, as well as the insights of Latvian scientists in the National Research Program. One of the fundamental insights echoing in both research and practice is that the introduction of digital technologies in the learning process itself is not sufficient; it is necessary to implement a teaching approach where digital tools serve pedagogical goals, are used reasonably and appropriately for specific needs. Therefore, at the center of our vision are teachers and their professional development, the ability to use AI safely and effectively to support the development of Latvian students and an approach to using technologies that develops critical thinking, judgment, and overall reasoning skills".
Until June 19 of this year, educational institutions providing general and vocational education programs are invited to apply for the AI leader school network. In total, it is planned to include 15 general education institutions and 5 vocational education institutions. These school teams, involving teachers from various subject areas and school leadership, will participate in training and, together with AI experts, create AI application best practice and resources suitable for the Latvian education context.
Cooperation with a wide range of stakeholders is significant for a systemic and strategic approach. One example of industry support is a 200,000 euro grant from Google.org to the association "Riga TechGirls" to help implement the national initiative for integrating AI into the Latvian education system.
The AI program is part of a national-scale initiative covering five priority action directions:
- AI literacy development across all education levels and for various target groups.
- AI as a support tool in pedagogical work, strengthening the role and autonomy of educators.
- Development of digital leadership, supporting institution heads as strategic change managers.
- Safe and ethical AI use, ensuring data protection and reducing disinformation risks.
- Sovereign Latvian AI infrastructure, promoting the use of the Latvian language and content in AI, as well as infrastructure development in Latvia.