Artificial Intelligence in Basic Education - AI@School

Artificial Intelligence Piauí

The Secretariat of Education (SEDUC) of the State of Piauí, led by the Secretary of Education, Washington Bandeira, and aligned with the government plan of Rafael Fonteles, launched a pioneering initiative by introducing the discipline of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for 9th-grade students of elementary and high school. This project aims to train more than 800 teachers and benefit approximately 120,000 students, preparing them to face the challenges and seize the opportunities brought by the technological revolution. The training is developed 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 discipline covers essential topics such as Data Curation, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing, combining theory and practice in various lesson plans.

The methodology used was the Flipped Classroom, where video lessons were made available beforehand, allowing synchronous meetings to focus on clarifying doubts and deepening knowledge. Seven training professors and one tutoring supervisor coordinated the training, supported by 20 tutors who accompanied 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 the advantages and risks associated with this technology.

In 2024, the pioneering project in the Americas was presented during UNESCO's Digital Learning Week in Paris (France).

🏆 In 2025, the project was awarded the UNESCO Prize for the Use of Information and Communication Technology (UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize).

This project 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, we reinforce our commitment to innovation and quality in education, ensuring our 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 curricular component in public schools in Piauí is a significant advance in Basic Education in general. In addition to teaching the applications and technical aspects of this component, as well as disciplining them, it is also important to inquire about reflections on its ethical and cultural implications. AI brings benefits by improving the efficiency of various services, however, it is necessary to discuss significant concerns, such as, for example, which services to perform so that there are no emotional disturbances and discomfort with personal data when interacting with these types of applications or others."

Prof. Clarice, Helvidio Nunes School Unit, São José do Piauí

"The Artificial Intelligence discipline brought doubts and fears, both from us professionals and from the students. At the beginning of the classes, it was possible to see the curiosity of a large part of the students in getting to know the new, in really knowing what Artificial Intelligence was about. With the training course, it became much clearer and opened up a range of possibilities for using AI in the classroom."

Prof. Dielly, CETI Fauzer Bucar, Floriano

"Immersing myself in the study of artificial intelligence was enriching and very challenging. Through the content made available on the platform and online meetings with tutors and fellow students, we were able to share experiences and discuss the topics studied, thus moving forward with the classes, always bringing more points of view and ideas for classroom application. All this support was essential for each of us to fulfill our responsibility towards our mission, for which I am very grateful."

Prof. Gabriel, CETI João de Deus Carvalho, Inhuma

"The artificial intelligence course provided teachers with the opportunity to update themselves in an area that, as everything indicates, is here to stay in the school routine of students and teachers. The digital revolution drives an urgent evolution in how educators are trained, demanding innovative strategies that transcend traditional training practices."

Prof. Giliard, CETI Cícero Coelho, Uruçuí

"This course contributes to our understanding of the role of artificial intelligence in education and paves the way for future research on how to use technology ethically and effectively to provide learning experiences. To effectively and efficiently implement artificial intelligence (AI) in education, it is important to have a set of basic recommendations. First, it is important to be transparent throughout the process. This includes communicating how AI algorithms are developed, trained, and used, as well as ensuring that students and educators understand how AI affects learning and teaching and ensuring accuracy and inclusion."

Prof. Gleison, CETI Letícia Macedo, Anísio De Abreu

"The action of including Artificial Intelligence as a curricular component in the state schools of Piauí represents an important advance in Basic Education. With this, it is important to emphasize that bringing up the most varied questions about the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence and preparing students for the new demands of the world of work will culminate in positive impacts regarding the correct use of technological tools. For the Artificial Intelligence teacher in High School, it is important not only to teach and demonstrate the applications and technical aspects of this discipline, but mainly to instigate reflections on its ethical implications."

Prof. João, CETI São José do Piauí, Anísio De Abreu

"As an instructor for an Introduction to Artificial Intelligence course at a school in the interior of the Northeast, I encountered unique challenges that demanded determination and creativity. Each class became a journey of mutual discovery in this environment, where technology is often seen as a distant luxury. From my first meeting with my students, it was clear that despite the scarcity of resources, their desire to learn was undeniable. [...] Students' familiarity with basic technology concepts was another hurdle at first. For many, the world of computers was unexplored. However, we built the foundations of AI understanding with perseverance and creativity."

Prof. Laedson, CETI Desembargador Amaral, Curimatá

"Firstly, it is commendable on the part of SEDUC-PI to include Artificial Intelligence as a curricular component in the state schools of Piauí, as it signals an important evolution in the educational field. This component plays an increasingly significant role in school education, offering a variety of benefits that can transform the way teaching and learning occur and also prepares students to face the new demands of the job market and society, promoting the ethical and responsible use of emerging technologies. It is noteworthy how important the experience of implementing the lesson plans provided by the State Department of Education (SEDUC) is, as this integration of AI into the school curriculum will equip students with essential knowledge and skills for the future."

Prof. Pedro, CETI Pedro Mendes Pessoa, Beneditinos

"For three months, the high school classrooms were transformed into stages for the exploration and understanding of artificial intelligence. The initial enthusiasm was palpable as the students plunged into this fascinating and complex field. In the first month, the foundations were established. The students were introduced to the fundamental concepts of AI, from its historical origins to modern applications. The classroom came alive with heated debates about ethics and the future of AI as the students dove into hands-on basic programming activities.