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AI Curriculum Introduced in American Samoa
American Samoa, a U.S. territory in the South Pacific, has integrated AI into its educational curriculum through a new STEM initiative (reported by Tech & Learning). The territory recently received over 150 robot carts from RobotLAB, which are being used to facilitate AI, coding, and STEM lessons across different age groups. According to Bone Taase, the American Samoa Department of Education’s Assistant Director of EdTech, this initiative marks the first time AI has been included in the local curriculum.
Overcoming Challenges in Implementation
Implementing this project required overcoming significant challenges. Educators had to undergo extensive training to effectively use the new tools, and connectivity issues posed additional hurdles. Despite these challenges, most of the RobotLAB programs can function offline, making them suitable for the region’s infrastructure limitations. Amy George, RobotLAB’s Education Account Manager, noted that the connectivity issues in American Samoa are similar to those faced in rural areas on the mainland.
Future Prospects: What Next for American Samoa?
The introduction of AI and robotics into American Samoa’s education system aims to better prepare students for the modern world, improving their college and career readiness. The partnership with RobotLAB is expected to bridge the technology gap between American Samoa and the mainland, ensuring that students are up to date with the latest technological advancements. As Taase highlights, keeping students current with AI and STEM developments is crucial for their future success.
(Visit Tech & Learning for the full story)
*An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.
