AI@School - Artificial Intelligence at School
Artificial Intelligence in Piauí
The State Department of Education (SEDUC) of Piauí, led by Secretary Washington Bandeira and aligned with Governor Rafael Fonteles’s government plan, launched a pioneering initiative by introducing the subject of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for 9th-grade elementary and high school students. This project aims to train over 800 teachers and benefit around 120,000 students, preparing them to face the challenges and seize the opportunities of the technological revolution. The training is carried out through a partnership between the Federal Institute Farroupilha (IFFar), the Federal University of Pampa (Unipampa), and the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). The subject covers key topics such as Data Curation, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing, combining theory and practice across various lesson plans.
The methodology used was the Flipped Classroom approach, in which video lessons were made available beforehand, allowing synchronous sessions to focus on clarifying questions and deepening knowledge. Seven lead instructors and one tutor supervisor coordinated the training, supported by 20 tutors who guided groups of teachers in weekly meetings. The approach emphasized both "thinking with AI" (using AI to solve problems) and "thinking about AI" (understanding how AI works), always highlighting both the benefits and risks associated with this technology.
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In 2024, this pioneering project in the Americas was presented during UNESCO’s Digital Learning Week in Paris, France.
This initiative not only places Piauí at the forefront of AI education but also prepares its youth for a future where technology plays a central role. By integrating this knowledge into the school curriculum, the state reinforces its commitment to innovation and quality education, ensuring that students are ready for the challenges of the 21st century.
Testimonials
Prof. Antonio, CETI Antonio Freitas, José de Freitas
“The inclusion of Artificial Intelligence as a curriculum component in Piauí’s public schools is a significant advancement in basic education overall. Beyond teaching its applications and technical aspects, it is also essential to prompt reflection on its ethical and cultural implications. AI brings benefits by improving the efficiency of various services, but it is necessary to address serious concerns, such as which services to automate, to avoid emotional distress or discomfort related to personal data.”
Prof. Clarice, Unidade Escolar Helvidio Nunes, São José do Piauí
“The subject of Artificial Intelligence brought doubts and fears, both among us teachers and among the students. In the first classes, we noticed the students’ curiosity to learn something new and truly understand what AI was about. The training course made things much clearer and opened up a range of possibilities for using AI in the classroom.”
Prof. Dielly, CETI Fauzer Bucar, Floriano
“Diving into this universe of AI studies was enriching and very challenging. Through the materials available on the platform and the online meetings with tutors and fellow participants, we were able to exchange experiences and discuss the topics studied, bringing more perspectives and ideas to the classroom. This support was essential for us to fulfill our responsibility in this mission, and I’m very grateful for that.”
Prof. Gabriel, CETI João de Deus Carvalho, Inhuma
“The AI course offered teachers the opportunity to update themselves in a field that, by all indications, is becoming a permanent part of school life. The digital revolution drives an urgent evolution in how educators are trained, requiring innovative strategies that go beyond traditional training methods.”
Prof. Giliard, CETI Cícero Coelho, Uruçuí
“This course contributes to our understanding of AI’s role in education and paves the way for future research on how to use technology ethically and effectively to enhance learning experiences. To implement AI effectively in education, some basic recommendations are essential. First, the entire process must be transparent—explaining how AI algorithms are developed, trained, and used, and ensuring that both students and educators understand how AI affects teaching and learning, while also ensuring accuracy and inclusion.”
Prof. Gleison, CETI Letícia Macedo, Anísio De Abreu
“The decision to include Artificial Intelligence as a curriculum subject in Piauí’s state schools represents an important advancement in basic education. It is essential to raise various discussions about the ethical and responsible use of AI and to prepare students for new demands in the labor market. For high school AI teachers, it is not only important to teach and demonstrate the technical aspects and applications of the subject, but also to encourage reflection on its ethical implications.”
Prof. João, CETI São José do Piauí, Anísio De Abreu
“As a teacher of the Introduction to Artificial Intelligence course in a school in the rural Northeast, I encountered unique challenges that required determination and creativity. Each class became a shared journey of discovery in an environment where technology is often seen as a distant luxury. From my first meeting with the students, it was clear that despite limited resources, the desire to learn was undeniable. [...] Getting students familiar with basic technology concepts was another initial obstacle. For many, the world of computers was uncharted territory. However, we built the foundations of AI understanding with perseverance and creativity.”
Prof. Laedson, CETI Desembargador Amaral, Curimatá
“First of all, it is commendable that SEDUC-PI has taken the step of including AI as a curriculum component in the state school network, signaling a significant evolution in education. This subject is playing an increasingly important role in schooling by offering benefits that can transform teaching and learning and by preparing students for future job market demands and societal needs, promoting the ethical and responsible use of emerging technologies. The experience of implementing the lesson plans provided by SEDUC has been especially valuable, as integrating AI into the curriculum equips students with essential knowledge and skills for the future.”
Prof. Pedro, CETI Pedro Mendes Pessoa, Beneditinos
“Over the course of three months, high school classrooms were transformed into stages for exploring and understanding Artificial Intelligence. The initial excitement was evident as students immersed themselves in this fascinating and complex field. In the first month, the foundations were laid. Students were introduced to the fundamentals of AI, from its historical origins to modern applications. The classroom came alive with passionate debates about ethics and the future of AI, while students engaged in hands-on basic programming activities.”