How Can AI and Creativity Revolutionize Learning?

The Value of Learning By Taking Action

When Liliane Lang and Elizabeth Lang, embarked on their REME project, it wasn't about winning an award, it was about answering a fundamental question: How can technology serve our community?

Their project, the REME smart home device, which earned recognition from the 2024 Global Technovation Girls Competition, is a great case for how modern education could operate. It wasn't taught in a textbook, it was learned through action. The greatest value came from connecting abstract knowledge (like coding and machine learning) to tangible, positive social impact.

The Power of Small Steps and Empathy

The journey of the REME project begins with simple observation. The need for REME stemmed from recognizing the growing elderly demographic in Hong Kong and the challenges faced by seniors living alone. Hong Kong government projections indicate the elderly demographic is set to reach 31% by 2039. 

Liliane and Elizabeth didn't start with a complex AI model, they broke down the problem into manageable steps:

1. Identify the need (loneliness, forgotten daily essentials, medication).
2. Design a solution (a companion device).
3. Build the prototype (coding the functions, designing an easy to use interface).

This learn-while-doing approach ensured that every technical hurdle, from implementing Natural Language Processing (NLP) for voice commands to designing a simple interface , was overcome out of necessity, not abstract assignment. The REME project forced the girls to use both creative and critical thinking during their creation journey. 

Looking Forward: The Future of Learning

The greatest reward of the Technovation process was watching them connect abstract knowledge to tangible, positive social impact. They learned coding, machine learning, and hardware integration, all while keeping their focus firmly on helping others.

Elizabeth and Liliane say that the deepest satisfaction was applying creative problem-solving to a genuine social need, they were hopeful their idea could be beneficial. I can't help but wonder: could such empathetic solutions become standard in every household?

REME is just one prototype, but it reminds me that innovation guided by compassion creates a sustainable, inclusive future. As the world of technology rapidly evolves, the principles of encouraging independence, critical analysis, and empathy remain paramount in preparing the younger generation for the challenges of tomorrow.

Relevant discussions and resources:
Aging Well with AI | Forbes: AI in Senior Care.