At the initiative of President Alar Karis, a discussion was held today at Jõgeva Upper Secondary School with students and teachers on how artificial intelligence can be used in learning and how educational innovation should be implemented in Estonian schools.

“Artificial intelligence is transforming and disrupting everything, especially education. It is a tool for both students and teachers, a teaching assistant in every student's home. Now that this wheel cannot be turned back, it is important to have a shared understanding and equal opportunities,” said President Karis.

“The school's primary task is therefore to teach students how to ask questions and assess results more critically. Artificial intelligence does not replace learning, it complements it; it helps us become smarter learners. The key issue is how to raise awareness and reorganize the learning process,” the President of the Republic noted.

The discussion at Jõgeva Upper Secondary School brought together upper secondary students and teachers from various subject areas. The meeting took place as part of the President's two-day visit to Jõgeva County.

In February of this year, President Alar Karis, together with the Ministry of Education and Research and private-sector partners, launched a new education programme. Under the programme, Estonian students and teachers will receive free access to the world's leading AI-powered learning applications, along with the skills needed to use them wisely in education.

In the first phase of the project, 20,000 students in grades 10-11 and their 3,000 teachers will gain access to top AI-based learning applications on 1 September 2025.

The goal is then to expand the TI-Hüpe programme to vocational schools and new upper secondary students entering the 10th grade. Beginning in 2026, the programme is expected to include an additional 38,000 students and 2,000 teachers.

More information: www.tihupe.ee

Photos: Raigo Pajula / Office of the President of the Republic
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC9PpY