From toy robots to 3D butterflies, Dubai’s youngest learners are immersing themselves in artificial intelligence (AI) thanks to the UAE’s revamped school curriculum. At Dubai Schools Al Barsha, kindergartners are engaging in coding, exploring augmented reality, and experimenting with AI to prepare for a tech-driven future.
In May, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the implementation of an AI curriculum in UAE public schools, spanning from kindergarten to Grade 12.
Sarah Al Amiri, the Minister of Education, previously stated that the curriculum would include fundamental AI concepts like data, algorithms, software applications, and ethical considerations in AI.
Coding for Kindergartners?
Chandini Thakkar, a kindergarten teacher at Dubai Schools Al Barsha, shared her enthusiasm for technology. Upon learning about AI’s inclusion in the UAE curriculum this academic year, she was thrilled. “The moment I saw the announcement, I reached out to my principal and said, ‘let’s make it happen,'” she recalled.
Chandini Thakkar. Photo: Muhammad Sajjad
Thakkar is part of a select group of teachers undergoing specialized AI training to integrate their knowledge into classroom instruction. She highlighted that training commenced following the AI curriculum announcement, encompassing workshops on AI tools for lesson planning, report creation, and more.
Thakkar initially integrated technology into her teaching five years ago, starting with augmented reality. This technology overlays real-world scenes with 3D images, accessible via devices like iPads or phones. “For instance, while teaching about butterflies, students could see and interact with a 3D butterfly, which was a ‘wow’ moment for them,” she explained.
The kindergarten teacher also introduced her students to a ‘Bee-Bot,’ a toy robot programmed with simple codes to navigate across a mat. She said, “It’s like a mouse with directional arrows. Students code the mouse, and it moves accordingly, teaching them coding basics at an early age.”
“With AI now part of our education curriculum, we’re taking learning to a new level,” she added.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
“We have a journey ahead and must continuously upskill ourselves. We’re all learning, but it’s crucial to stay ahead,” Anita Stewart, headmistress of Dubai Schools Al Barsha, told Khaleej Times. She noted that the AI curriculum allows the school to formalize AI usage, emphasizing early years education.
“Future-readiness for our children is one of our core values,” Stewart emphasized.
Anita Stewart. Photo: Muhammad Sajjad
Eighth grader Abdulla Majed shared that AI in classrooms has greatly assisted in understanding complex topics. “AI aids in homework and writing,” he said. “In English class last year, we used it for help with reading and writing exercises.”
Abdulla Majed. Photo: Muhammad Sajjad
