For the past three years, Yew Chung Yew Wah Education Network (YCYW) has brought together teachers of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and entrepreneurship and design/art (‘ed) at our annual “STEM’ed Conference”.

This year, more than 65 teachers of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science, Science, and Design Technology gathered at YWIES Zhejiang Tongxiang for an in-depth, two-day conference. The teachers came from all sections of YCYW—Early Childhood Education, Primary, and Secondary.

The discussions and workshops of the conference focused on topics such as curriculum design, the development of learning experiences, and updates on the latest teaching technologies and methods.

During the conference, the teachers and industry experts explored topics such our distinctive teaching methods for students aged 0-8, the application of AI in learning, and the guidance of students in their preparations for Internal Assessments (IAs) and Extended Essays (EEs) in Senior Science, Computer Science, and Design Technology.

Through a series of interactive sessions and group discussions, the teachers collaboratively designed learning and assessment experiences based on the new YCYW Technology Curriculum. This curriculum integrates AI, Computer Science, Engineering, and Design Technology, and incorporates cutting-edge educational approaches from around the world.

Highlights of the workshops included topics such as:

Design and construction of our Smart Farms,

Use of VR (virtual reality) for immersive learning,

Classroom robotics learning,

Updates regarding the Yew Chung Yew Wah AI Platform for students and staff and the AI Agent design system,

Data tracking and actions to personalise support for students,

Innovations in inquiry-based learning.

Only a few days have passed since the teachers returned to their schools, but they are already implementing goals of the conference. The teachers have started to form collaborative groups across our school network.

For example, they are promoting the joint development of robotics and STEAM programmes, sharing experiences designing learning and assessments for our Primary and Secondary sections, and advancing the applications of technology in our learning spaces.

During the coming year, we will continue to build on the insights and momentum of this year’s conference in order to expand and deepen its impact. We look forward to next year’s STEM’ed Conference, Together, we will embark on the next round of exploration and innovation.