The world, the US, and China–what examples can speed up the application of AI in STEM disciplines in Kazakhstan?

By Bakhadir Rismetov, PhD., Visiting Scholar, The George Washington University

Abstract

This article explores the benefits and challenges of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into STEM education in Kazakhstani secondary schools based on the examples of the US and China. The emergence of AI and cyber-physical systems requires a widespread transformation of the education system today. The article discusses the potential benefits of AI integration, such as improved student engagement, personalized learning experiences, and enhanced critical thinking skills. However, there are also challenges to implementing AI in STEM education, including a lack of qualified teachers and appropriate technology. To overcome these challenges, the government needs to invest in teacher training and provide schools with the necessary technology, internet access, and infrastructure. Additionally, active involvement from the private sector is crucial to creating a more innovative and effective education system that prepares students for future challenges. Overall, this article provides valuable insights into how AI can be integrated into STEM education in Kazakhstani secondary schools to meet the demands of the future.

Keywords: STEM, AI, secondary education

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence in Education as an emerging interdisciplinary field that utilizes AI technologies to transform and enhance instructional and learning processes in education [1, 2]. AI in education offers personalized learning, efficient assessment, content creation, and administrative support, ultimately improving the educational experience for students and teachers alike [3, 4].

The specific application of AI in STEM education, referred to as AI-STEM, focuses on designing and implementing AI applications to support STEM education. Automated AI technologies such as intelligent tutoring, data mining, and learning analytics are employed in STEM education to improve the quality of instruction and learning [5, 6, 7]. STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, is an approach to teaching students based on integrating a wide range of problems or phenomena. It emphasizes the academic study of science and technology [8].

Today, STEM specialists are the most competitive in the global labor market. According to analysts from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the next 10 years, the need for STEM personnel will outstrip other specialties by 76% [9]. The US market alone will require about 10 million people, while the shortage of personnel remains, despite the increase in the pace of training. In Kazakhstan, the need for STEM education is also growing. For instance, 90% of Kazakhstani companies are in dire need of digital technologies, which consequently makes the need for specialists in this field vital [10].

With the recent reforms in the educational field in Kazakhstan involving the de-Sovietization of the national education system, much more emphasis is being put on problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, and AI and STEM have become some of the highest priority subject areas to be developed in schools. It is as a recent phenomenon in the Kazakhstani education system, it is required to learn and observe more on the ways of integrating this approach into the learning process. We as educators still are on our way to learning about the following questions:

What are the benefits of the integration of AI in the field of STEM education?
What is the process of integrating AI into the education systems of developed countries like China and the USA?
What is the present condition or status of AI and STEM education in secondary schools within Kazakhstan?

What are the benefits of the integration of AI in the field of STEM education?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not a distant concept but a tangible reality in the present. Its impact is evident as the AI software market continues to grow consistently on a global scale. In fact, the annual global revenue from AI software is projected to surge from $10.1 billion in 2018 to a staggering $126.0 billion by 2025, highlighting the exponential growth and significance of this transformative technology [11].

The term “artificial intelligence” was coined in the 1950s, and it was during this time that several scientists [12] emerged as the pioneers of this groundbreaking field. These remarkable individuals are widely recognized for their visionary contributions to technology, which have profoundly reshaped various industries. Artificial intelligence refers to the remarkable capability of machines or computer programs to acquire knowledge, engage in cognitive processes, and make decisions akin to the human brain. By receiving data and instructions, AI systems can draw conclusions and execute tasks accordingly. As they continually delve into the realm of human reasoning and logic, they enhance their efficiency and effectiveness over time [13].

STEM educators have numerous avenues to utilize AI in enhancing the learning of science and technology for students spanning all age groups [14]. These applications range from incorporating AI into daily instruction to facilitating immersive experiences that extend beyond the traditional boundaries of the classroom.

Integrating AI technologies into STEM educational processes offers various benefits, including:

Personalized and adaptive learning

This approach involves designing the learning system based on individual student needs and their current level of knowledge. By analyzing factors such as students’ initial proficiency, learning pace, preferred style, and specific requirements, algorithms can customize the structure, format, and complexity level of learning materials [15]. This adaptation aligns with each student’s learning style, enhancing their understanding and retention of information. Additionally, AI continuously monitors the progress of each student, enabling educators to either maintain the existing learning paradigm or make necessary adjustments toward more challenging or simplified content.

2. Collaboration and Problem-Solving

AI can facilitate collaborative problem-solving among students by providing intelligent tools and platforms [16]. These tools can enable students to work together on complex STEM projects, leverage AI algorithms to analyze data, and brainstorm solutions to real-world problems.

3. Accurate Assessment

The concept of human error arises due to the inherent fallibility of individuals who occasionally make mistakes. Integrating AI into the educational process brings significant benefits. For instance, educators responsible for exam preparation or grading may occasionally make mistakes that can impact a student’s education. However, AI programs demonstrate high levels of accuracy when applied practically [4]. Consequently, students in STEM fields across all levels of education can expect to receive timely and accurate feedback. The combination of immediate, meaningful comments from both AI and human instructors assists students in getting back on track.

4. Enhanced Content Creation

AI can assist in the creation of high-quality educational content. It can automate the generation of interactive simulations, virtual laboratories that help students understand complex concepts, and making learning more engaging and interactive for students. For example, in subjects like physics or chemistry, AI-powered simulations can provide virtual laboratories where students can conduct experiments, observe phenomena, and analyze results. These simulations can be highly interactive, allowing students to manipulate variables, perform calculations, and visualize outcomes, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Imagine a world where learning knows no boundaries of time or place. With round-the-clock access to education, students have the freedom to study anytime, anywhere, aligning their tasks with their own schedules. This newfound flexibility offers an unparalleled advantage in their educational journey.

Furthermore, this accessibility is not limited to just some students—it is universal. Every student, including those with disabilities, is granted equal opportunity to engage in learning. By eliminating barriers and embracing inclusivity, education becomes a realm of endless possibilities.

The days of engaging in self-comparisons with classmates and experiencing anxiety about falling behind are now in the past. With 24/7 access, students can progress at their own pace without the pressure of external comparisons [17]. Whenever assistance is needed, a digital assistant stands ready to lend a helping hand, offering support and guidance at any point in the learning process.

The integration of AI in education holds immense potential to transform the learning landscape. By personalizing adaptive learning experiences, offering collaborative and problem-solving systems, streamlining accurate assessments, providing enhanced content creation, and promoting lifelong learning, AI empowers both students and educators. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the ethical considerations and ensure that AI technologies are used responsibly, addressing privacy concerns and maintaining a balance between automation and human interaction. As AI continues to advance, its integration in education has the potential to unlock new frontiers of knowledge acquisition, preparing learners for a future driven by innovation and adaptability.

What is the process of integrating AI into the education systems of developed countries like the US and China?

Why the US and China?

In recent years, the race for artificial intelligence (AI) has been intensifying, with countries around the world vying to dominate this cutting-edge field. The United States has indisputably emerged as a prominent epicenter for AI advancement, with tech giants such as Google, Facebook, and Microsoft at the forefront of AI research. When it comes to the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, China currently stands in second place, trailing behind the United States. However, with an unwavering ambition, China aims to ascend to the pinnacle of global dominance in this field within the next decade [18].

In 2017, China implemented a comprehensive national program dedicated to the advancement of AI, outlining strategic objectives and milestones to be achieved by 2030 [19]. The implementation of this program receives strong support from extensive government funding, along with contributions from private technology enterprises that maintain close ties with the Chinese government. Both the United States and China are making significant progress in integrating AI into their education systems, but they diverge in their approaches to achieving their educational goals.

China’s education system is overall more centralized than the education system of the US

China’s Ministry of Education holds the primary responsibility for supervising the education system in China. It serves as the main authority for establishing national education curricula, determining what teaching materials will be used, and certifying teachers [20].

The education system in the United States is characterized by a higher degree of decentralization, particularly in primary and secondary education. In the United States, the education systems operate independently at the state level, with each state having its own distinct system. This means that each state has the authority to enact its own laws, determine the approved curriculum, and make decisions regarding teacher hiring [21].

Integration of AI in the education system of China

China is actively integrating AI education into the primary and secondary school levels. Following China’s AI strategy, designated pilot schools were identified as the innovating institutions for the implementation of AI education. These forward-thinking schools were furnished with modern robotics classrooms, cutting-edge 3D printers, advanced drones, and a diverse pattern of fascinating AI-centric courses, creating an immersive learning environment that promotes students to the forefront of technological innovation [22].

In 2018, the Chinese Ministry of Education officially made amendments to the curriculum for senior classes, incorporating mandatory courses on artificial intelligence (AI), handling big data and data encoding methods, as well as data collection and analysis [23].

China has also begun to make significant changes to the introduction of AI in the curriculum of higher education institutions. In 2021, the decision of the Chinese Ministry of Education to include AI specialties in the curricula of 345 universities is an important step in providing the country with the talent necessary for innovation and development in the field of artificial intelligence [24].

Integration of AI in the Education system of the US

Since the US has a decentralized education system, several states have taken independent initiatives to integrate AI into school curricula. This typically begins with modifications in computer science programs, as they serve as a foundational step towards AI specialization. Varying approaches to AI education among different states present challenges for US schools in establishing a consistent definition of AI education, justifying investments in AI education with limited resources, and adequately training educators. While certain AI education initiatives prioritize subjects like computer science, programming languages, math, and data science, others place more emphasis on non-technical aspects such as the societal and ethical impacts of AI applications [25].

In both China and the United States, the private sector actively promotes the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into primary and secondary education through various initiatives. These initiatives include the development of AI-related textbooks [26], the provision of AI curricula, and the organization of conferences for educators and students [27, 28].

In a remarkable contrast to school education in the United States, the integration of artificial intelligence into higher education in China has proven to be a resounding success. At the undergraduate level, the majority of courses related to artificial intelligence are included within the computer science curriculum. Consequently, analyzing the trends in the number of new graduates with computer science (CS) bachelor’s degrees serves as a reliable indicator of undergraduate interest in AI. In 2021, the total count of newly-graduated CS bachelor’s students nearly quadrupled compared to the records in 2012. The proportion of new computer science PhD graduates from US universities who specialized in AI jumped to 19.1% in 2021, up from 14.9% in 2020 and 10.2% in 2010 [29].

Artificial intelligence (AI) is closely connected to education in the fields of STEM. Figure 1 displays data on STEM graduates by degree from 2015 to 2019. Remarkably, China exhibited a notably higher proportion of its students earning their degrees in STEM fields (as opposed to other liberal arts disciplines), with STEM fields accounting for 48% of all bachelor’s degrees awarded, 41% of all master’s degrees, and an impressive 59% of all doctoral degrees received. In contrast, the United States showcased a comparatively lower distribution, with 22% of all bachelor’s degrees being awarded in STEM fields, 17% of all master’s degrees, and a modest 16% of those completing doctoral programs [30].

Figure 1. Comparison of STEM graduates between China and the US.

Source: 2020 Digest of Education Statistics, U.S. National Center for Education Statistics; China’s Ministry of Education. https://doi.org/10.51593/20210005.

What is the present condition or status of STEM education and AI in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan is undergoing a transformative journey in reshaping its national education system and advancing its integration into the global educational landscape. The issue of ensuring internet connectivity for all schools in the Republic of Kazakhstan remains a pressing concern, as highlighted by Bagdat Mussin, the Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry. Currently, out of 7,600 public schools nationwide, only 7,078 have been successfully connected to the Internet. Furthermore, it is alarming that more than 90% (6,414) of those schools that are connected still fail to meet the recommended standards set by the International Telecommunication Union. These standards dictate that schools with over 400 students should have a minimum internet speed of 1 Mb/s per 20 students [31].

However, since 2014 Kazakhstan has been witnessing vibrant growth in STEM education. In line with the latest data from the Department of Preschool and Secondary Education under the Ministry of Education and Science, over 1,000 schools have covered the field of robotics by establishing dedicated laboratories. Engaging the minds of more than 32,000 students, robotics clubs have sprouted across 1,700 schools. Furthermore, there are about 100 STEM labs in the country [32].

The country’s commitment to this endeavor is evident through the implementation of an enhanced curriculum aligning with the principles of STEM as part of the State Program for the Development of Education and Science for 2016-2019. [33]. Kazakhstan has recognized the importance of prioritizing the development of artificial intelligence and big data analytics technology. Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has set a target of establishing a national artificial intelligence hub within the next five years, aiming to attract approximately $1 billion [34].

The Kazakh authorities have undertaken an ambitious initiative to ignite the development of artificial intelligence across multiple sectors of the economy, including in politics, law, education, and healthcare. Their strategic plan involves the creation of diverse projects aimed at propelling the utilization of AI, driving significant progress and enhancements in various facets of society [35].

Artificial intelligence is gradually permeating almost every sector of the country’s economy. According to labor experts’ forecasts, by 2025, over 50 professions in Kazakhstan are expected to vanish due to automation, transforming the workforce landscape [36].

The government of Kazakhstan has recognized the importance of AI in preparing students for the future. To ensure maximum impact from the implementation of new technologies, Kazakhstan will require specialists equipped with the necessary skills. By 2030, the country aims to nurture a talent pool of 5,000 to 10,000 data analysts, 20,000 to 25,000 data system developers, and 2,000 to 5,000 data scientists [37].

Despite the government’s efforts to promote AI in the education field, there are several challenges in implementing AI in STEM education in secondary schools in Kazakhstan. One of the primary challenges is the lack of qualified teachers and software developers who are capable of teaching AI-related topics. Many teachers in Kazakhstan lack the necessary training and experience to effectively teach AI and STEM courses [38].

Another challenge is the lack of appropriate technology and infrastructure. Many secondary schools in Kazakhstan do not have access to the necessary technology or may lack the funding to purchase and maintain it.

In order to fully exploit the potential of AI technologies in the field of education, Kazakhstan will need to foster strong collaboration and cooperation between private companies and educational organizations, following the successful models employed in countries with well-developed AI sectors like China and the United States.

Conclusion

Drawing from the experiences of China and America, integrating AI into STEM education in Kazakhstani secondary schools has the potential to enhance learning, improve teaching, and prepare students for the future.

However, there are still challenges in implementing AI in STEM education, including the lack of qualified teachers and the lack of appropriate technology, internet access, and infrastructure. To overcome these challenges, the government needs to invest in teacher training and provide schools with the necessary technology, internet access, and infrastructure. Additionally, it is crucial for the government to actively involve the private sector in this domain. By doing so, Kazakhstan can create a more innovative and effective education system that prepares students for future challenges.