Israel Opens First AI-Focused Campus, Replacing Textbooks with Technology

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Education Minister Yoav Kisch inaugurated "Campus Siach" in Migdal HaEmek, a new educational institution that has eliminated traditional textbooks and notebooks in favor of digital learning. Approximately 400 students across 15 classrooms and one kindergarten are enrolled in the campus, which aims to prepare children for the high-tech world and technological units in the IDF from an early age.

The campus replaces traditional teaching methods with personal computers, tablets, interactive screens, and artificial intelligence labs. Learning continues even during breaks through logic and science-based games, blurring the lines between study and play. The goal is to reduce educational gaps and equip students with skills relevant to future technological careers.

Inside the classrooms, a central interactive screen connects the teacher to each student's device, allowing for direct sharing of learning materials. AI labs provide hands-on experience with technology, moving beyond theoretical knowledge. The curriculum integrates technology across subjects, transforming abstract concepts into tangible experiences. For instance, students can interactively explore human anatomy or take virtual geography tours.

School principal Einat Vakinin explained how technology is woven into the daily routine, changing the nature of classroom interaction and material delivery. Mor Gabai, a fifth-grade teacher, demonstrated how students use these systems for research, enhancing engagement beyond traditional text and images.

The Ministry of Education hopes that Campus Siach will serve as a pilot program, with the potential to be expanded nationwide if successful. While it is too early to assess the long-term impact on student achievement, the initiative represents a significant shift towards technology-centric education in Israel.