Popularize data education in Yen Bai commune: When AI and digital transformation penetrate the classroom

August 28–29, 2025 – Yên Bài Commune, Hanoi

At the end of August, Yên Bài Commune - a rural area of Hanoi - witnessed a remarkable event: the first grassroots data literacy program for teachers at kindergartens, primary schools, and lower secondary schools. Organized by the National Data Association (NDA) in collaboration with local authorities, the program brought a fresh wave of innovation to local education.

Yen Bai teachers explore AI tools in the classroom

Heated Discussions Sparked by Tough Questions

The training sessions were filled with lively energy. Nine groups of teachers from local schools actively participated, raising “tough questions” that even made Dr. Dương Văn Thịnh - Chairman of the Vietnam AI & Data Center Club and Vice President of AI Technology at Veron Group - pause for careful thought.

“How can AI be applied when second graders are still not fluent in reading?” “Can ChatGPT replace the role of teachers?” “How can we ensure students’ data privacy when using AI tools?”

These were just some of the thought-provoking questions raised.

The Local Education Landscape

A field survey highlighted clear characteristics of Yên Bài’s schools. Currently, 70% of kindergartens lack sufficient desktop computers for teachers, while 100% of primary and lower secondary schools have been equipped with basic IT infrastructure.

Compared to the national average, Yên Bài ranks at a modest level in education digitization. While schools in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi had begun piloting AI in teaching as early as 2024, Yên Bài is only now being introduced to such concepts. What stood out, however, was the enthusiasm and eagerness of local teachers.

Present and Future: From Tools to Skills

Dr. Dương Văn Thịnh emphasized:“Right now, we are focusing on familiarizing teachers with AI tools for education, such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Brisk Teaching. But more importantly, we must prepare teacher as learner with the skills they will need for the future.”

These skills include critical thinking, the ability to present ideas clearly, and negotiation skills—competencies that AI will never replace. Instead, AI will serve as a powerful support tool for learning and teaching.

Grassroots data literacy: AI steps into the classroom.

Passion from the Ground Up

“At first, I worried that AI might reduce teacher–student interaction. But after training, I realized AI helps me understand my students better through analysis of their learning data.” a teacher at Yên Bài Lower Secondary School, added:“What impressed me most was AI’s ability to generate exercises tailored to each student’s level. This helps weaker students catch up, while challenging stronger students with more advanced tasks.”

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite facing challenges in infrastructure and manpower, the innovative spirit of Yên Bài’s teachers has sent a positive signal. Applying AI and digital transformation in education is not only an inevitable trend but also a chance to narrow the gap between urban and rural education.

The Yên Bài training program proved that with determination and proper guidance, “democratizing” AI in education is entirely feasible - from rural communes to major cities. This marks an important stepping stone for Vietnam to enter the true era of digital education.