Drone and AI interest pushes Estonian teachers to retrain

Growing interest in drones and artificial intelligence in Estonian schools is prompting teachers to build their knowledge of the subjects, ERR reported. Over the next five months, 20 mathematics and science teachers will visit companies to gain practical experience and jointly develop future learning materials.

The “Lae end” education programme is designed for primary school physics and mathematics teachers who want to bring more practical examples and connections to real life into their lessons. This year, 72 teachers applied and 20 were selected.

The participants include both newly qualified and experienced teachers. They began the programme at Metrosert’s drone and defence technology testing laboratory.

“We have a complete set of laboratories here for testing subsystems. What is important about all these laboratories is that the tests are repeatable,” said Rainer Kivimäe, head of Metrosert’s drone unit.

As interest in drones and artificial intelligence grows in schools, teachers are increasingly expected to explain the subjects to students. “As far as I know, some schools will start talking more about drones from this school year. Tallinn is also creating an education programme where young people can play drone football. Interest in the field is gradually growing among young people, and naturally teachers need to be competent enough to comment on it,” said Valentina Moskaljova, head of the “Lae end” programme.

For some teachers, this means learning about subjects they have not previously encountered. “I knew as much about drones as you have read in the news, and as much as has currently been said about the drone curriculum in schools,” said Getriin Kokk, a mathematics teacher at Lodijärve School.

The programme will also produce learning materials for students in grades seven to nine. The materials are intended to help students understand which formulas can be used in mathematics and physics.