Imagine schools with learning tools where artificial intelligence can be used to create software bots that can converse with students, respond to queries and promote critical thinking; or an online system that automatically assesses individual students' capabilities and progress, then plans how to best guide students in their learning.
Singapore, 27 November 2012 | For Immediate Release
Imagine schools with learning tools where artificial intelligence can be used to create software bots that can converse with students, respond to queries and promote critical thinking; or an online system that automatically assesses individual students' capabilities and progress, then plans how to best guide students in their learning.
This is now possible for students from Ngee Ann Secondary School and the School of Science and Technology who can look forward to more engaging and innovative learning experiences as part of the FutureSchools@Singapore programme.
Following IDA's Call-for-Collaboration (CFC) issued in May 2012, two companies were selected from 11 proposals based on their innovative solutions for the schools and their proven track record by an evaluation committee comprising members from the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and the participating FutureSchools - Ngee Ann Secondary School and the School of Science and Technology. The CFC seeks to form a strategic collaboration with infocomm partners to develop the FutureSchools innovations, through next generation technologies to support the schools' innovative teaching and learning programmes. IDA will support the local companies through co-funding of the development costs and providing project management. The solutions are projected to be completed by end 2013.
Artificial Intelligence Chat Bots at Ngee Ann Secondary
Ngee Ann Secondary School focuses on encouraging critical inquiry among learners through the use of web-based artificial intelligence chat bots, represented by key historic or scientific figures such as Einstein or Shakespeare, to provide an evolving narrative of specific subjects. The bots collate and analyse responses given by students to identify learning patterns and assess their needs. The information will be added to a database of questions and learning resources, thereby improving the quality of questions and increasing the depth of content probing with every interaction.
The technology solution will also provide features that allow students to develop critical inquiry skills by having an active dialogue with the chat bots in a conducive environment. It allows teachers to access information contributed by students and establishes students' learning patterns and needs. This will help teachers to assess each student's critical thinking skills in order to better guide their learning progress. The project has been awarded to aZaaS Pte Ltd to develop the software solution for Science and English Literature subjects. The system will be designed to be adaptable to other subjects.
Mr Adrian Lim, Principal of Ngee Ann Secondary School says: "The FutureSchool innovation will help teachers to identify the learning patterns of their students and better assess their learning needs. This is in line with our aim to deliver a student-centric education. We are pleased to partner aZaaS on this exciting project."
Scaffolded Algorithmic Inquiry-Based Learning (SAILing) at School of Science and Technology, Singapore
The School of Science and Technology will be developing a solution for the school to implement the ideals of inquiry-based learning through the development of a Scaffolded Algorithmic Inquiry-Based Learning (SAILing) system.
Students interacting with this system will be automatically assessed on their understanding of the subject matter based on the answers they provide. The responses provided by the student are continuously assessed by the system so that it will be able to determine if the respondent requires more coaching in a particular area. This forms the basis in which the solution provides the necessary guidance as to whether the student can proceed to the next stages of learning. The SAILing project has been awarded to ToKToL Pte Ltd to develop the solution for science. The system will be designed to be adaptable to other subjects.
Mr Chua Chor Huat, Principal of the School of Science and Technology, Singapore explains: "With the SAILing FutureSchools project, teachers can customise the learning experience for their students. The system is able to provide the next level of learning based on the students' progress, so as to better meet their learning needs."
Pushing the frontiers of ICT in Education
The FutureSchools are developing new information and communications technology (ICT) solutions to support innovative teaching approaches. ICT integration into the schools' curriculum is primarily driven by pedagogical considerations. Schools adopt an 'appropriate pedagogy' approach where teaching and learning drive the use of ICT. By exploring and pushing the frontiers of ICT in education, they will show how the experience of teaching and learning can be enriched through the meaningful integration and use of technology.
One of the key strengths of the FutureSchools@Singapore programme is the strategic partnership with infocomm industries which has resulted in many new tools and applications that have transformed the classroom experience for both teachers and students.
Mr Lim Teck Soon, Director of the Education Cluster IDA says "The FutureSchools@Singapore program brings about a unique collaboration with MOE, schools and industry partners with the aim of harnessing infocomm effectively and innovatively to enhance teaching and learning in schools. The schools can tap industry's expertise in developing next generation solutions and the industry too can tap and learn from schools about how these technologies can be integrated in the curriculum to make meaningful and impactful learning experiences."
Related Resources:
- Annex 1: FutureSchools@Singapore Fact Sheet (74.72KB)
- Annex 2: CFC Awardee Companies Boilerplates (62.94KB)
JOINTLY ISSUED BY MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is committed to growing Singapore into a dynamic global infocomm hub. IDA uses an integrated approach to developing infocommunications in Singapore. This involves nurturing a competitive telecoms market as well as a conducive business environment with programmes and schemes for both local and international companies. For more news and information, visit www.ida.gov.sg.
About Ministry of Education
The Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) formulates and implements education policies and programmes in consultation with its stakeholders. These policies and programmes aim to help all students discover their talents, realise their potential, and develop a passion for learning that lasts through life. MOE also oversees the development and management of the Government and Government-aided primary schools, secondary schools and junior colleges. Please visit www.moe.gov.sg for more information.
For media clarifications, please contact:
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Christopher Koh (Mr)
Manager - Corporate and Marketing Communication
DID: +65 6211 1709
Fax: +65 6211 2427
E-mail: christopher_koh@imda.gov.sg
Ministry of Education
Charlotte Chen (Ms)
Corporate Communications Executive
Tel: +65 6879 7670
H/p: +65 9829 9304
E-mail: Charlotte_CHEN@moe.gov.sg
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