Learning is Like Growing a Tree: we will do it faster and better

Introduction

Imagine a big garden. In this garden, we plant seeds. These seeds are like students. We want them to grow into big, strong trees.

For a long time, schools were like factories. Everyone sat in rows. Everyone learned the same thing at the same time. The teacher talked, and the students listened. It was a little bit boring.

But the world is changing. Now, we have a new helper in the garden. This helper is technology. Specifically, it is Artificial Intelligence, or AI.

The Three Friends

To make a good school or university, we need three friends to work together.

1. The Government: They make the rules for the garden. They say, "This is a safe place to grow."
2. The Companies: They are the people who need the fruit from the trees. They give money and tools to help the garden grow.
3. The Schools: They are the gardeners. They take care of the students every day.

When these three friends work together, good things happen. This is called the "Triple Helix." It is a fancy name for teamwork.

How We Learn Now

Before, learning was about remembering facts.

• What year was the war?
• What is 5 times 5?

Now, computers can remember facts for us. So, what do students need to do? They need to learn how to solve problems.

Think of it like a puzzle.

• Baby School (Preschool): We learn to be kind. We learn to tell stories. We learn to be curious. We learn to think.
• Big Kid School (High School): We learn to ask "Why?" We learn to use science to fix things.
• University: We learn to make new things. We invent new medicines or build new machines.

The Robot Helper

Some people are scared of the robot helper (AI). They think the robot will do all the work. But that is not true.

The robot is like a super-fast shovel. It helps the teacher dig the hole faster. It helps the student find the water.

When the robot does the boring work, the teacher has more time. The teacher can talk to the student. They can look at the student's eyes and say, "How are you today? Let's try this together."

The Future

The goal is not just to finish school. The goal is to be ready for the world.

We want students who can think. We want students who can create. We want students who can work with others.

The pipeline—the path from being a baby to being an adult—is changing. It is faster now. But with the right help, it can be better, too.

We are building a garden where every tree can grow tall and bright.

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References

1. Etzkowitz, H., & Leydesdorff, L. (2000). The dynamics of innovation: from National Systems and “Mode 2” to a Triple Helix of university–industry–government relations. Research Policy, 29(2), 109-123.
2. OECD. (2023). PISA 2022 Results (Volume I): The State of Learning and Equity in Education. PISA, OECD Publishing, Paris.
3. UNESCO. (2023). Guidance for generative AI in education and research. UNESCO, Paris.