Inclusive learning. Visually impaired children and AI Coding
Tencent
16th July 2024
Inclusive learning. Visually impaired children and AI Coding
Digital literacy is crucial for economic and societal participation. Acquiring knowledge and skills in areas such as AI and programing can create opportunities and help lift people out of poverty. Yet access to education can be unequal and put certain population groups at a disadvantage.
One such group is children with visual impairments. The World Health Organization estimates that some 19 million children under the age of 16 globally live with visual disabilities. Traditional educational resources often fail to meet the needs of these children, leaving them behind. With education considered a basic human right, the need for inclusive learning solutions that cater to all is clear.
Developing an inclusive AI programing module
Tencent is working to address the issue in a targeted way. In 2023, we launched "First Lesson in AI Programing," an initiative aimed at equipping young minds with useful tech skills for the future. The program has already reached over 200,000 students across 1,600 elementary schools in China, introducing them to the basics of AI and programing.
Building on this success, the company rolled out an accessible version of the program in early 2024, specifically developed for blind and visually impaired students. This version was carefully created through close consultation with members of the sight-impaired community and educational experts to ensure that it meets the unique needs of young learners.
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