Norway has been introducing a ban on the use of artificial intelligence in schools by students in grades 1-7 and restrictions for secondary school students since autumn, according to the Norwegian Ministry of Education.
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“Starting in the fall, students in grades 1-7 will be protected from using artificial intelligence in school work. In secondary schools (grades 8-10 – ed.), teachers and students can start with careful testing,” the press release says.
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According to the Norwegian Ministry of Education, several rounds of international research have shown a significant decline in basic skills, including reading, among Norwegian schoolchildren, while the use of AI in primary and secondary schools is increasing. In this regard, the Norwegian authorities are introducing new rules from the beginning of the school year, according to which students in grades 1-7 will not be given access to AI, in grades 8-10 the use of AI will be carried out “gradually and with caution,” and in high school students will have to learn how to “use AI appropriately.”
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“Research shows that the use of generative AI in schools without critical assessment increases the risk of missing important learning stages. At the same time, the results and skills of students in Norwegian schools are declining. We are taking steps to change this. That is why we are now introducing clear recommendations on the use of artificial intelligence in schools,” the agency quoted Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gare Stere as saying.
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In turn, Norwegian Minister of Education Kari Nessa Nordtun said that before using AI, students should learn to read, write and count.
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“We should not make the same mistake of introducing digital devices to the youngest students without critical evaluation,” she added.
