Artificial intelligence joins the classroom adventure in French primary schools

In southern France, a unique classroom experience is unfolding, blending math problems with interstellar storytelling all powered by artificial intelligence. In one such scenario, 7-year-old Clément uses addition and subtraction to help find the missing son of a cosmic guardian named Cataclismus, traveling through a fictional galaxy called IA-404. These exercises are part of an educational software powered by AI, which Clément accesses from the computer lab of his elementary school.

Nathalie Miguel, Clément’s teacher at George-Sand Elementary School in Colomiers near Toulouse, began integrating AI into her teaching as early as 2019 well before tools like ChatGPT became mainstream. Her students use two AI-based programs: Mathia for mathematics and Lalilo for French. Both tools were selected by France’s Ministry of National Education and aim to enhance learning through adaptive, interactive methods.

On a typical spring morning, Clément, wearing red glasses, engages with Mathia to solve math puzzles. As he answers correctly, a digital rocket in his game advances from one planet to another, and a cheerful virtual assistant named Mathia showers him with praise and confetti. Each completed task helps restore stars in the game’s galaxy, extinguished by the furious Cataclismus.

The goal of Mathia is to rekindle a love for mathematics among students, a subject that often faces resistance in France. According to Paul Escudé, co-founder of Prof en Poche, which developed Mathia, the key lies in celebrating correct answers while also encouraging perseverance after mistakes. The AI evaluates each student’s skill level and tailors tasks accordingly, ensuring children aren't discouraged by overly difficult questions and that advanced learners remain challenged.

Children like Inès, 7, describe the AI as a “person who helps and explains the exercises,” highlighting how naturally they engage with the technology. This adaptive learning model is especially helpful in diverse classrooms, says Mostafa Fourar, former rector of the Toulouse academic district. He spearheaded the large-scale use of Mathia and Lalilo across 1,500 classrooms.

For teachers like Miguel, AI provides clear insight into which students need extra help and which ones can support their peers. The impact is also evident to parents. Olivier Zoccarato, father of a 7-year-old named Ethan, notes his son even uses Mathia on weekends. “It’s fun, competitive, and motivating,” he says.

Eight-year-old Elisa echoes this sentiment. Although she used to struggle with math, her fondness for the AI program has changed her outlook completely.

As education evolves, AI isn’t just a trend it’s a necessity. “These children are growing up in an AI-driven world,” says inspector David Simon. “We must teach them to use it wisely, and that begins in the classroom.”