Armenia to Provide 50,000 ChatGPT Edu Subscriptions to Schools and Universities

Armenia will provide 50,000 ChatGPT Edu subscriptions to high schools and universities beginning in September, bringing artificial intelligence tools into classrooms and academic institutions on a broad scale.

Education, Science, Culture and Sports Minister Zhanna Andreasyan announced the rollout Friday during an Aug. 28 news conference. The initiative is being carried out in partnership with OpenAI and Firebird.

In public schools, the program will apply only to high school students, while universities will also have access to the platform.

“ChatGPT Edu is specifically designed to support the educational process,” Andreasyan said, stressing that its use in general education will be limited to upper grades.

The government plans to use the technology for more than student learning. School administrators will be able to analyze academic performance and attendance data, while teachers can use the tools to prepare tests and lesson plans.

Andreasyan said the aim is to cut down on routine work and give educators more time to focus on teaching.

A principal who already has access to students’ grades and attendance through an electronic journal, for example, could use AI to analyze that information and identify areas that need greater attention, she said. Teachers could use the same technology to develop assessments and organize coursework.

The rollout will be accompanied by a large-scale training program for educators. The ministry also plans to provide guidelines and instructional videos on the responsible and effective use of AI in education.

Andreasyan acknowledged that the technology presents challenges for schools and universities, an issue education systems around the world are confronting as generative AI becomes increasingly accessible.

“The education system must learn how to engage with artificial intelligence,” she said. “It is a reality.”

Andreasyan said careful policies and informed use will be necessary to ensure AI improves education rather than creates additional problems.

“Only well-informed and carefully considered solutions can ensure that these tools serve the goal of quality education rather than create new challenges,” she said.

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