Building a smart education environment from Resolution 71

Education and training have always been regarded by the Party and the State as a top national priority, a driving force for development. The implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in education and training marks the first time education has been placed at the very heart of Vietnam’s national development strategy, directly linked to the goal of becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045. This is considered a major turning point for Vietnam’s education system.

Students at Tien Thanh Secondary School, Dong Xoai Ward, are provided with a favorable environment to engage in STEM education. Photo: Ngan Ha

To bring Resolution 71 into practice, many educational institutions across Dong Nai Province have accelerated the application of modern technologies in management and teaching, fostering a smart education environment that connects schools, families, and students in the era of integration and modernization.

Technology drives digital education

Since the previous academic year, Tan Xuan Secondary School (Binh Phuoc Ward, Dong Nai Province) has implemented a face recognition attendance system, replacing the traditional manual method. Scanners are installed at various classroom buildings, allowing students to check in before class.

Once a student’s face is recognized, their attendance data is sent directly to the school’s central server, which then automatically notifies teachers and parents via text messages. This enables parents to know the exact time their children arrive at and leave school.

Parent Vo Quoc Anh shared: “I have two children studying at the school. Thanks to the face recognition attendance system, I can monitor my children’s school attendance in real time and receive immediate notifications when they are absent. This system makes it much easier for families and schools to coordinate in managing students effectively.”

Beyond smart attendance, technology has also transformed management and teaching at Tan Xuan Secondary School. All 38 classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards, projectors, touchscreen displays, a campus-wide surveillance cameras, a Steam laboratory, and a digital library. The school has also digitized management, teaching, and quality assessment processes in line with modern education standards.

Principal Trinh Thi Phuong Mai emphasized: “The goal of applying information technology in school administration and teaching is to enhance the quality of education and training in a modern, efficient, and sustainable direction. It aligns with our long-term strategy to build a smart school model that embraces new educational mindsets, a comprehensive education, open education, and industry 4.0oriented education.”

Integrating digital technology into teaching and school management has been identified as one of Dong Nai’s key education priorities this academic year. Resolution 71 also stresses the need to apply digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning, especially through the creation of interactive, flexible lessons that improve learning quality in the digital transformation era.

At Loc Ninh B townlet’s Primary School (Loc Ninh Commune, Dong Nai Province), English lessons have become more engaging and visual, as teachers incorporate AI to develop digital lessons rich in illustrations and interactive features that stimulate student interest. This approach not only enhances teaching quality but also reflects the innovative spirit of educators adapting to digital transformation.

Teacher Dang Thi Phuong, who teaches English at Loc Ninh B townlet’s Primary School, said: “AI-powered lessons captivate students’ attention. They are more enthusiastic, interactive, and absorb lessons faster, which makes each class truly effective.”

At Nguyen Thi Sau Primary School (Long Hung Ward, Dong Nai Province), the “Smart classroom”model has broken traditional boundaries, turning every lesson into a multi-dimensional learning experience. Teacher Nguyen Cam Tien shared: “The integration of technology and AI has transformed learning from memorization into discovery, experience, and creativity.”

Adopting innovation to elevate education

Dong Nai currently has nearly 1.2 million students across all levels, a young and dynamic generation full of potential. To develop sustainably, there is no path forward other than reforming education and training a generation of digital citizens - individuals capable of mastering technology and creating value through innovation. In recent years, Dong Nai’s education sector has boldly integrated AI into classrooms, introduced STEM, Robotics, IoT, and AI programming into extracurricular activities, and encouraged students to join innovation competitions.

At provincial-level STEM festivals and science fairs, Dong Nai students have presented practical innovations such as waste-sorting robots, flood-warning applications, and learning support software which are truly nurturing a generation of creative minds.

Principal Nguyen Duc Tham of Nguyen Trai High School (Long Binh Ward, Dong Nai Province) said: “Smart education provides a comprehensive development environment for students. They not only acquire knowledge but also cultivate creativity and global integration skills.”

Dr. Nguyen Tien Manh, Principal of Sonadezi College of Technology and Management, underscored the importance of scientific thinking: “In a world transformed hourly by technology and artificial intelligence, businesses no longer seek those who merely memorize, they seek innovators. STEM education provides the solution to this need.”

Resolution 71 is not only a policy reform but also a catalyst for a powerful wave of innovation across the education sector. It lays the groundwork for Dong Nai to modernize its teaching environment, develop students’ digital competencies, and optimize school management, paving the way toward a modern, intelligent education system in line with the Politburo’s vision. Built on this foundation, future generations will be fully equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently step into the era of national rise.

By Ngan Ha, Thu Hong - Translated by Thuc Oanh, Thu Ha