The National Centre for Educational Technologies under the ESCS Ministry, today organized a two-day conference entitled “ICT in Education”, during which a report was presented on a number of implemented programs.

The conference included presentations and discussions on the education management information system, its subsystems, the eTwinning program's progress, the integration of artificial intelligence into the educational system, the features of the distance learning platform, and the outcomes of the general education school funding formula's digitization.

Welcoming the attendees and highlighting the format of the meeting, ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan touched upon the digitalization process of the education sector, emphasizing that information technologies not only open up new opportunities but also bring about new challenges.

“We have an education management information system that serves as an integrated platform of diverse data. Our primary task is to understand how we utilize this data, to what extent it is applied in policy development and decision-making processes. It is also important to understand how this data contributes to gaining deeper insights into information about specific situations and finding effective solutions. On the one hand, the use of an information system promotes greater transparency and accountability, while on the other, it exposes a range of challenges — from basic IT tools proficiency to deep-rooted issues in school management,” the Minister stated, adding that additional training and support are required in this direction.

Zhanna Andreasyan also touched upon the use of artificial intelligence in education, noting that work is underway to integrate artificial intelligence into the content of education, as well as to introduce it into the field of education management. The first component, according to her, is the understanding of artificial intelligence, with precise methodological guidelines and regulations to assist learners and teachers in making the teaching and learning processes easier and more creative.

“The introduction of artificial intelligence into the education process is a necessity as an integral part of the educational content, particularly the curriculum in the field of digital literacy and computer science,” the Minister said, highlighting that work is underway to introduce artificial intelligence as a distinct professional orientation.

The third component, as stated by the Minister, is the introduction of artificial intelligence as an education management tool.

“Here, it is crucial that in data analysis and decision-making processes in the same education management information system, AI tools are used, of course, competently, intelligently and wisely, since they are just tools and the degree of their usefulness depends on us and our skills,” the Minister said.

Zhanna Andreasyan also made a reference to distance learning, stressing that it ensures access to education for thousands of children who are currently deprived of this opportunity due to the lack of an appropriate specialist or other reasons.

“This may not be the best option, and in parallel, we continue to work to ensure the physical presence of teachers in all schools. It is also important to share the experience of implementing the distance education program and analyze the outcomes for further progress and advancement," the Minister said, wishing a successful course to the conference.

Head of the MoESCS General Education Department Tamara Sargsyan, NCEDI director Zhanna Harutyunyan, NCET Deputy Director Armen Kulakhszyan, NCET regional coordinators, as well as representatives of regional administrations and the Yerevan Municipality attended the event.

The speakers of the conference presented the features of the “Resource Database,” “eTwinning,” ICT distance training programs, management tools, and the data generated through their usage.

Those in attendance asked the speakers questions, and an interested discussion unfolded.