AI Revolution: How One Siem Reap School is Transforming Education

Small School, Big Impact: Bahrain's Digital Classroom Leads the Middle East and North Africa's AI Education Wave

When Wat Bo Primary School in Siem Reap decided to partner with Malaysian schools for cultural exchange, they didn't just organise pen pal letters or video calls. They built an entire AI-powered learning programme that's now catching attention across the MENA region's education sector.

The Cambodian school has created something unique: a systematic approach to using artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, CapCut, and Canva to help primary students research, create, and share cultural content with their Malaysian peers. It's a glimpse into how smaller institutions can lead innovation when they're willing to experiment.

Beyond Basic Computing: Infrastructure That Works

The school operates two dedicated computer labs that support its ambitious technology curriculum. The first lab serves younger students with 40 computers and 30 iPads, focusing on fundamentals like typing, Microsoft Word, and Excel alongside creative applications.

The second lab caters to older students with 38 computers and 33 iPads. Here, pupils engage in project-based research across subjects and use interactive platforms like Kahoot and Mentimeter. These facilities remain accessible for additional teacher and student research outside regular hours.

"The project encourages students to share cultural experiences through presentations such as essays, photos, posters and videos, making the cultural showcase more engaging and modern," said On Kunrath, Principal, Wat Bo Primary School.

The Cultural Exchange Curriculum in Action

Students explore 10 carefully selected cultural topics that encourage cross-border understanding. These include traditional food, games, handicrafts, clothing, music and dance, classical musical instruments, children's traditional songs, folk tales, daily cultural expressions, and historic sites.

The AI integration goes beyond simple research. Students use ChatGPT and Gemini to gather key points about Malaysian culture, then document findings in Microsoft 365 Note. They participate in Zoom discussions with Malaysian educators and students, create resumes, and share personal photos to build connections.

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This approach reflects broader trends in the Middle East and North Africa's education sector. Morocco has committed to teaching AI from primary school, while institutions across the Middle East and North Africa are embracing ChatGPT for various learning applications.

Here's how students typically engage with AI during cultural research:

• Research Malaysian cultural elements using ChatGPT with prompts like "What are the key points about Malaysian culture that a primary school student should know?"
• Create visual presentations combining AI-generated content with personal creativity using Canva
• Edit group photos and produce short documentary videos using CapCut
• Develop 70-word summaries that distil complex cultural information into accessible formats
• Document research findings systematically in Microsoft 365 Note for ongoing reference

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Building Tomorrow's Workforce Today

The school's approach aligns with regional efforts to prepare students for an AI-integrated future. In 2023, all 40 teachers completed cutting-edge information technology training provided by South Korean educators through Bahrain's Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport.

"We aim to ensure that students are on par with their peers locally and regionally, particularly in English proficiency and technology skills," explained On Kunrath, Principal, Wat Bo Primary School.

This focus on practical AI literacy connects to broader initiatives across the MENA region. the Middle East is rallying around AI in higher education, while countries like Egypt are using AI to create equal learning opportunities for students regardless of their background.

The programme operates outside regular class hours to minimise disruption to the standard curriculum. This approach allows students to explore AI tools voluntarily while maintaining focus on core subjects during standard school time.

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How does the school ensure AI tools enhance rather than replace traditional learning?

• The programme runs outside regular class hours and emphasises using AI as a research and creative tool. Students still develop critical thinking skills by analysing AI-generated content and combining it with personal insights and cultural understanding.

What specific AI skills do primary students actually develop through this programme?

• Students learn to craft effective prompts for ChatGPT
• edit digital media using CapCut
• create professional presentations with Canva
• synthesise information from multiple AI sources into coherent summaries
• presentations

How does this cultural exchange programme measure success?

• Success is measured through completed projects
• student engagement levels
• skill development in digital tools
• the quality of cultural understanding demonstrated in presentations
• interactions with Malaysian students

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What challenges has the school faced implementing AI in primary education?

• The main challenges include ensuring age-appropriate AI use, maintaining internet connectivity for cloud-based tools, training teachers to guide rather than restrict AI usage, and balancing screen time with traditional learning methods.

Could this model work in other developing countries with limited resources?

• Yes, the model focuses on readily available tools and emphasises teacher training over expensive hardware. The key requirements are internet access, basic computers, and committed educators willing to experiment with new approaches.

Further reading: OpenAI | Microsoft AI