Artificial Intelligence (AI) brings a variety of positive opportunities to enhance the quality of learning in primary schools. One such benefit is AI’s ability to provide adaptive learning, where educational content is tailored to each student’s individual capabilities. This allows students who need extra guidance to receive more focused attention, while high-achieving students can continue to be challenged at a more advanced level.

The use of AI-powered chatbots and virtual tutors can help students revise their lessons interactively outside of school hours. AI also makes it easier for teachers to monitor student performance through detailed analytics, which in turn enables earlier and more precise interventions.

Gamified approaches make learning more enjoyable and relevant to today’s digital culture. With the help of AI, the learning process can become more engaging and meaningful.

However, the implementation of AI in primary schools faces several major challenges. The digital divide between urban and rural areas is still significant. Many primary schools, especially in rural regions, lack sufficient devices and stable internet access. Limited basic ICT infrastructure remains a major obstacle.

Additionally, many primary school teachers are not yet fully ready to use AI technology effectively. More comprehensive training in digital pedagogy is needed so that teachers are not only tech-literate but also capable of planning and delivering lessons aligned with AI integration.

AI should not be seen as a replacement for teachers, but rather as a complementary tool in teaching and learning. Therefore, teachers must be given adequate professional training so they can integrate this technology effectively in the classroom. In the post-pandemic world, digital competence for teachers is no longer optional — it is essential.

The use of AI also raises ethical and data security concerns regarding student information. Since AI relies on data to function, the protection of students' personal data becomes extremely important. Malaysia needs to have clear policies and guidelines to ensure student data is stored and used securely and responsibly. National cybersecurity must also be further strengthened to manage data breach risks more effectively.

AI is not just a technological tool, but a gateway to a more inclusive, competitive, and high-quality future for primary education. Malaysian primary schools must be ready to face digital challenges with holistic and ethical strategies. The involvement of teachers, parents, policymakers, and communities is key to ensuring that students are not only tech-savvy but also grounded in strong values and character.

Digital transformation in education cannot happen in isolation. Collaboration between the government, private sector, higher education institutions, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is also crucial in building an educational ecosystem that supports the sustainable and continuous use of AI. Investments in infrastructure, teacher training, digital content development, and educational research must be coordinated and strengthened.

Through this approach, Malaysia’s primary education will remain relevant and capable of producing a future generation that is not only technologically adept but also globally competitive.

 

By:
Dr. Mohamed Faris Laham dan Ts. Dr. Nor Ain Azeany Mohd Nasir
Institute for Mathematical Research (INSPEM), Universiti Putra Malaysia

    

 

Source:
https://www.utusan.com.my/rencana/forum/2025/06/sekolah-rendah-perlu-sedia-hadapi-masa-depan-digital

Date of Input: 17/06/2025 | Updated: 17/06/2025 | norhidayahche