AI teaching assistant LEXIE enriches education in the Netherlands

Primary school OBS Azelo in Ambt Delden, in the east of the Netherlands, is the first school in the region to work with an AI teaching assistant standing alongside the teacher. LEXIE is a holographic educator that supports upper-year pupils by providing explanations and answers to a wide range of questions about the curriculum.

The holographic teacher can display animations to clarify complex topics, such as showing a cross-section of the Earth during geography lessons. Pupils have now been practising with the system for three weeks, learning to speak clearly and give precise instructions. The school ensures safety by allowing only pre-approved information to be accessed via a USB stick.

Help with translation

One of LEXIE’s key strengths is multilingualism. The AI can explain and translate in several languages, which is especially valuable for Ukrainian pupils at the school. In this way, LEXIE helps Dutch and Ukrainian children learn together and understand each other better.

A valuable addition, not a replacement

Headteacher Gijs Rutering calls LEXIE a “valuable addition” to education but stresses that the human teacher remains irreplaceable due to their personal connection and emotional support. Pupils are enthusiastic, saying lessons have become more enjoyable and easier to understand.

LEXIE goes to Rome

During the autumn holidays, LEXIE will travel to Rome to be presented at the ESHA Conference as an example of innovation in primary education. LEXIE will assist in the workshop ‘Leading for adaptive teaching with AI’ by school leader Jasper Kok and Simon Hanemaaijer of Media Hologram. After the conference, LEXIE will certainly return to OBS Azelo.

Read the original news article on RTV Oost.