A groundbreaking workshop held in Nuku’alofa has focused on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Open Educational Resources (OER) to transform STEM education across the Pacific.
The three-day event was organized by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and PACFOLD, with funding from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Hosted at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Tonga Campus, the workshop trained 40 educators from secondary schools to use AI and OER in classrooms. The initiative emphasized the creation of tailored teaching resources and enhanced student engagement using Generative AI tools.
“This workshop shows a shared commitment to advancing education through innovation. OER and AI offer the tools needed to overcome the challenges facing STEM education in the Pacific,” said USP Tonga Campus Acting Director, Mrs ‘Ana Ve’ehala.
Dr Betty Ogange from COL and PACFOLD Director Dr Rajni Chand facilitated the sessions, showcasing how AI could improve learning outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Acting Director for Secondary Education, Mrs Óketi Akauola, noted the urgent need for better STEM resources, stating, “This focus on STEM is timely. No Tongan students qualified for medicine in 2023, highlighting the need for enhanced teaching approaches.”
Mentorship programs will support teachers post-workshop to sustain the initiative.