Dhammajarinee Witthaya School Uses AI & Buddhism for Thai Youth

• Dhammajarinee Witthaya School in Thailand integrates AI with its curriculum, enhancing learning and school management in partnership with Microsoft.
• AI tools help personalize learning, foster creativity, and develop critical skills, such as problem-solving and responsible digital practices.
• The school offers a unique, inclusive education, preparing students for the digital future while blending innovation with cultural heritage.

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and daily life, the need to adapt educational systems is more urgent than ever. Thailand, recognizing this shift, is making strides in integrating AI into its schools, preparing students for a future where these technologies will play a central role. One such pioneering institution is Dhammajarinee Witthaya School, located in Ratchaburi Province. As Thailand’s only non-profit, all-girls residential school operating under Buddhist principles, Dhammajarinee has embraced AI technology to enhance its curriculum and school management, providing a unique, forward-thinking education that ensures its students are well-equipped for the challenges of tomorrow.

Founded with the mission of providing underserved children with equal access to education, Dhammajarinee Witthaya School has been successfully educating over 1,000 students from various backgrounds. The school covers tuition, accommodation, meals, and even personal necessities, offering a holistic and inclusive environment. In partnership with Microsoft, the school has integrated cutting-edge AI tools into its teaching methods, significantly enhancing the learning experience and preparing students for an increasingly digital world.

“Our vision has always been to create a ‘bridge’ of opportunity for underprivileged children, ensuring they have access to the same educational resources and knowledge as others. Microsoft’s support, especially in terms of AI technology, has been instrumental in helping us fulfill this mission, enabling both our students and staff to unlock their full potential”, said Dr Aunampai Passakchai, Director of Dhammajarinee Witthaya School.

AI is now embedded in the fabric of Dhammajarinee’s teaching, from classroom lessons to administrative functions. By incorporating AI across various aspects of education, the school has empowered students to learn more effectively and creatively. AI tools help students personalize their learning, accelerate comprehension, and develop crucial skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative technology usage. Additionally, the integration of AI introduces students to responsible AI practices, ensuring they understand cybersecurity and ethical considerations as they engage with digital technologies.

Beyond academic subjects, the school’s AI-driven initiatives are fostering creative expression. In a Cover Dance class, for example, students use Copilot, an AI-powered tool, to analyze song lyrics in depth, gaining a deeper understanding of the emotions conveyed through music. AI also helps them integrate local cultural elements into their performances, such as patterns from the traditional 'Pha Khao Ma' fabric, blending innovation with heritage. In 5th-grade science classes, students use Copilot to generate 3D visualizations of cells, allowing them to grasp complex biological concepts more easily. These digital simulations are then brought to life with clay models, offering a hands-on learning experience that reinforces their understanding.

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In mathematics, AI is not only helping students simplify difficult concepts but also transforming lessons into fun, imaginative exercises. Using Copilot, junior high students create songs, poems, or stories about alternate angles, making the subject more engaging and accessible. The school also places a strong emphasis on responsible AI use, with teachers guiding students through role-playing activities that explore ethical and unethical AI scenarios. This approach equips students with the skills to discern responsible digital practices and foster creativity in AI applications, nurturing the next generation of digital citizens.

Supahrat Juramongkol, AI Skills Director for Microsoft Elevate at Microsoft Thailand, highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating, “Microsoft is committed to empowering Thailand’s digital transformation through inclusive and sustainable AI ecosystems. Our Microsoft Elevate program is designed to equip individuals and organizations with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy. Dhammajarinee Witthaya School is a prime example of how our efforts are making a tangible impact, helping to foster AI literacy and empower Thai youth with the skills they need to become innovators”.

Through its partnership with Microsoft, Dhammajarinee Witthaya School exemplifies how AI can revolutionize education, offering equal access to advanced learning tools and ensuring students are prepared for future challenges. The integration of AI in this school is a testament to Thailand’s commitment to providing an inclusive, forward-thinking education that enables every child to reach their full potential. As part of its ongoing mission, Microsoft continues to provide educators and institutions with comprehensive AI toolkits and resources, ensuring that the next generation is equipped for success in the digital age.