On (Artificial) Intelligence and Yoav Kisch
A critical article on the policy of the Ministry of Education under Yoav Kisch to integrate artificial intelligence in schools. The article presents PISA 2025 research data proving that Israel is far from being a leader in the digital field, with a severe shortage of computers and infrastructure, especially in the socio-economic periphery. It claims that the policy places the financial burden on parents through the BYOD model, cynically exploiting pedagogical rhetoric.
A sharply critical article on the policy of the Ministry of Education under Minister Yoav Kisch to integrate artificial intelligence in schools through the 720 program. The article presents data from the PISA 2025 study: Israel ranks 42nd in the world in the number of computers per student (6.7 per ten students), and 52nd in the number of computers connected to teachers (6.4 per ten teachers). 41% of students study in schools where a shortage of digital resources harms teaching, and in schools in the weaker socio-economic sector, this figure rises to 53%. The article claims there has been no improvement between the 2022 and 2025 studies. It further argues that the policy places the financial burden on parents through the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) model, allowing charges of up to 2,000 shekels per student. The article compares the program to the failed 2011 computerization program, which collapsed during the COVID-19 lockdowns. It claims the main beneficiaries are hardware and software companies, and that the program ignores pedagogical issues such as digital distractions (33% of students report distractions) and lack of teacher training. The article concludes by urging not to rush into implementing AI and to be wary of economic and political interests.