How AI to be integrated into Kazakhstan’s schools

Artificial intelligence is to become an integral part of school education in Kazakhstan, with uniform rules governing its use by teachers and students planned to be introduced, El.kz reports.

AI to be  integrated into the education

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that measures to integrate artificial intelligence into education are currently being implemented at an insufficient pace.

According to the President, a relevant decree was signed in May; however, its implementation has not been ensured by the beginning of the new academic year.

The President instructed the Government to take urgent measures to systematise the use of AI. The objective is to ensure that children and teachers understand how to use digital tools properly and safely, in compliance with ethical and legal requirements.

Tokayev noted that young people should learn how to use digital tools to generate income. He also stressed the need to provide such opportunities to young people living in rural areas.

A uniform standard to be introduced for schools

A cross-university standard regulating the ethical, legal and organisational aspects of artificial intelligence use is already in place in higher education. The President instructed the Government to develop a similar document for the secondary and technical and vocational education systems.

This approach is intended to establish rules governing the use of AI directly within the educational process. In schools, these rules will cover teachers’ work, students’ assignments and the use of digital services in education.

During the August conference, the President was presented with AI-based solutions already in use. Among them was WONK, an AI assistant for teachers that helps educators prepare for lessons.

How AI is already being used in lessons

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was also shown a segment of a Grade 3 mathematics lesson using Qalam AI, Beyim AI, TopIQ and E-OQULYQ. In addition, the Head of State reviewed the analytical tools of the Taldau Ortalygy, which use artificial intelligence technologies.

The solutions presented demonstrate several areas in which AI can be developed in schools. These technologies can be used to prepare lessons, analyse educational data and support the learning process directly in the classroom.

At the same time, the introduction of digital tools requires appropriate training for teachers. Educators will need to understand the capabilities and limitations of AI in order to use it effectively as a supporting tool within the educational process.

Specialist training to begin at school level

The President linked the development of school education with the future training of a new generation of specialists. According to him, education in artificial intelligence should establish an integrated pathway from school to university.

Tokayev also drew attention to the age of students in specialised schools and instructed the relevant ministry to examine the issue of educating 18-year-old students at Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS) and private schools. He stressed the need to take into account the physiological development of today’s children and ensure a unified standard of school education.

The University of Artificial Intelligence is expected to commence operations in Kazakhstan in September. At the same time, the President considers it necessary to expand the infrastructure for specialist training and instructed the Government to explore the establishment of a Kazakhstan–China School of Artificial Intelligence in Astana, taking into account China’s experience.

“Keleshek Mektepteri” to serve as pilot sites

Another area concerns the new-format “Keleshek Mektepteri” schools. The President noted that 217 schools with a total capacity of 460,000 student places have already been constructed as part of the project.

Tokayev instructed the authorities to use the potential of these institutions to introduce new educational approaches. In the coming years, “Keleshek Mektepteri” are expected to serve as pilot sites for testing modern teaching methods and subsequently scaling successful solutions to other schools.

“Over the next three years, ‘Keleshek Mektepteri’ should become centres for piloting advanced teaching methods.”

The President also instructed the authorities to update secondary education standards in line with global trends. According to him, educational programmes should place greater emphasis on disciplines that contribute to development and progress, while the Ibrai Altynsarin National Academy of Education is expected to play a key role in this work.

The Digital environment must ensure children’s safety

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev separately addressed the impact of the digital environment on children. He noted that social media, digital platforms, artificial intelligence and aggressive marketing can have a significant influence on schoolchildren’s worldview.

The President linked children’s psychological well-being, emotional resilience and moral development to national security. He instructed the Government to strengthen content filtering mechanisms and review legislation aimed at protecting children from harmful information.

This also concerns a draft law that would prohibit users under the age of 16 from registering on social media platforms. The document was submitted to Parliament in June.

Tokayev believes that parental responsibility alone is insufficient to protect children in the digital environment. Therefore, he instructed the authorities to scale up the introduction of mandatory child-specific SIM cards designed to help restrict minors’ access to inappropriate content.

What will change for students and teachers

Kazakhstan is gradually developing a system in which artificial intelligence will be used at different stages of education. Students will be able to work with AI tools as part of the learning process, while teachers will receive digital assistance in lesson planning and the analysis of learning outcomes.

At the same time, the state intends to establish clear rules governing such use. School education should equip children with the skills required to use artificial intelligence effectively, which will be relevant to their further education and professional careers.

Ensuring access to technology in the regions is another priority. The President stressed that digital opportunities should also be available to young people in rural areas. In parallel, new-format schools will be developed, educational standards updated, and new facilities established to train specialists in artificial intelligence.