A set of new textbooks introduced by Việt Nam Education Publishing House. Photo courtesy of the publishing house

HÀ NỘI – The Việt Nam Education Publishing House (VEPH) has launched a groundbreaking textbook series titled Digital Competence and Artificial Intelligence Education for secondary students, marking a major stride in preparing the nation’s youth for life and work in the digital era.

The four-volume series for Grades 6 to 9 serves as a comprehensive toolkit designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to thrive in a technology-driven world. Developed in line with the 'Digital Competence Framework for Learners' issued under Circular No 02/2025/TT-BGDĐT by the Ministry of Education and Training, the books aim not just to deliver information but to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and responsible digital citizenship.

Each volume follows an experiential learning model built around four stages: Warm-up, Explore, Practise and Apply. Lessons are presented through interactive and engaging activities that connect classroom learning to real-life applications, encouraging students to use digital tools confidently and safely.

The curriculum covers six key areas of digital competence: data and information literacy; communication and collaboration in digital environments; cyber safety and digital well-being; content creation; digital problem-solving; and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications.

Every grade level explores distinct and age-appropriate themes. Grade 6 focuses on information use and content creation; Grade 7 addresses online risk management; Grade 8 examines the social responsibilities of digital citizens; and Grade 9 looks into AI and the future of humankind.

Blending traditional and digital learning, the series includes QR codes linking to online resources, interactive software, and AI-powered tools. Its vibrant design, colourful illustrations, games and relatable examples foster curiosity and independent learning.

To complement the secondary series, VEPH and Viettel Group have co-developed an Artificial Intelligence textbook collection for primary pupils, featuring Learning and Practice Books. Through drag-and-drop programming and robot-assisted exercises, younger learners are introduced to the fundamentals of AI in an intuitive and playful way.

Together, these materials form a continuous learning pathway from primary to upper secondary level, building core competencies in AI Literacy, AI Technology, and AI Science.

The introduction of Digital Competence and Artificial Intelligence Education marks a milestone in Việt Nam’s ongoing education reform, reflecting a shift toward competency-based teaching. It recognises digital competence as a foundational skill set that supports other subjects while fostering safe, creative, and responsible engagement with technology.

Each lesson links knowledge with real-world scenarios, strengthening problem-solving and collaboration skills and helping students understand the transformative role of technology in modern life.

The inclusion of Artificial Intelligence in the national curriculum represents a significant step forward, offering students not only theoretical understanding but also hands-on experience in how machines learn, process data, and make decisions — essential skills in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Trần Hoài Nga, an IT teacher at Đa Mai Primary School in Bắc Ninh Province, said: “Integrating AI into schools not only helps students become familiar with modern technology from an early age but also nurtures their thinking, creativity, and sense of digital responsibility – qualities essential for future citizens.”

She added that what impressed her most was “the way the books intertwine programming thinking, digital ethics, and real-world practice, enabling students to approach AI in a natural, engaging, and age-appropriate way.”

As digital technologies continue to reshape the world, introducing AI and digital competence at the school level is a timely and strategic move. It helps bridge the digital divide and builds the foundation for a skilled, future-ready generation.

With its innovative approach, modern design, and forward-thinking vision, the Digital Competence and Artificial Intelligence Education series stands as more than a set of textbooks – it is a blueprint for nurturing Việt Nam’s next generation of creative, responsible, and technologically adept citizens. – VNS