\n<\/p>\n
From a young age, Finnish students are introduced to different types of media and learn how each medium works. They are taught to question content, examine sources and evaluate information critically.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cFor upper secondary education, a high school student could (for example) set up a troll farm and try to sway his or her (classmates) into believing in something,\u201d Mr Adlercreutz said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough that, (they) understand how easily we are swayed, and how important it is to find the telltale signs to compare that information to other sources and so on.\u201d<\/p>\n
A recent Nordic survey found that nearly two-thirds of Finnish educators have some knowledge of AI tools, and about 8 per cent use them regularly for teaching. Most believe AI\u2019s role in classrooms will continue to expand.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mr Adlercreutz highlighted the growing responsibility schools face as generative AI tools like ChatGPT reshape how students learn, create and communicate.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, Finland issued general rules and ethical guidelines for its teachers on the use of AI in early childhood, primary and secondary education.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The minister also emphasised that Finland\u2019s highly decentralised school system \u2013 where local municipalities and schools make many key decisions \u2013 enables rapid adaptation to new challenges.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This autonomy has helped make teaching a popular profession, with Finnish universities receiving more applicants than available places in education programmes, he added.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As other countries take steps to regulate children\u2019s online activities \u2013 Australia has introduced a social media ban for under 16s from Dec 10, and Malaysia is considering similar measures \u2013 Finland is engaged in its own national debate.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re trying to find a balance. We are not going back to the analogue world or jumping headfirst into the digital world,\u201d Mr Adlercreutz said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are trying to find adequate ways of taking advantage of both, so that our kids will be good and knowledgeable citizens.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He noted that regulating digital access is technically difficult and requires greater accountability from platform providers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Many countries, he added, are still struggling to find a safe space where children can coexist with the digital world without being harmed by it.<\/p>\n
Mr Adlercreutz said education is a cornerstone of Finnish society. The sector receives the second-highest share of national social spending after healthcare.\u00a0<\/p>\n
While STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) remains crucial, the minister stressed that skills like creativity and art matter more than ever, \u201cespecially in the age of AI, it’s important that we also focus on things that make us really human\u201d.<\/p>\n
The minister said he is discussing AI adaptation and regulation with his Singapore counterparts during this visit.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He noted the close collaboration between Finland and Singapore in areas such as teacher training and AI usage. Singapore remains a popular destination for Finnish exchange students as well.<\/p>\n
During his trip, which will end on Saturday, he is also visiting educational institutions and delivering a lecture on creativity and design in the era of AI at the National University of Singapore.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n