Nizhny Novgorod schoolchildren will learn about neural networks at the "Digital Lesson".

      19 November 2025 16:22 Society

      From November 24 to December 14, 2025, days dedicated to studying artificial intelligence will be held in Nizhny Novgorod schools as part of the all‑Russian educational project "Urok Tsifra". Schoolchildren will learn how neural networks are structured and how their security is ensured.

      The "Urok Tsifra" project is implemented annually by the autonomous nonprofit organization ANO "Digital Economy" together with the Ministry of Digital Development of Russia and the Ministry of Education of Russia in support of the federal project "Workforce for Digital Transformation" of the national project "Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State", as well as the national goal "Technological Leadership".

      The lesson's theme is "It's in the Chat: The Evolution of Neural Networks and Digital Security." In classes prepared by Yandex experts, students will get acquainted with the technologies behind AI assistants: from the first language models capable of understanding and generating text to multimodal systems that work with different types of data simultaneously — text, images and sound.

      Special attention will be paid to security: students will be told how confidentiality is ensured when working with neural networks and which rules of digital hygiene are important to follow. Part of the lesson will be devoted to deepfakes: recognizing digital forgeries and ways to protect against potential threats.

      Students will also be taught to identify neural network "hallucinations" — cases when a model produces a plausible but partially or completely incorrect answer. The lesson includes an interactive simulator, a video, and a set of methodological materials for teachers. The simulator's storyline is built around a gaming tournament: participants learn text generation, create and test their own AI assistants that help solve educational tasks and become "smarter" by the finale. During the simulator, the neural network Alisa AI acts as a mentor and helps explain complex things in simple terms. This format makes the material understandable and visual for schoolchildren of different ages. The lesson will also be useful for adults who are interested in neural networks or want to understand how they work.

      "Interest in artificial intelligence is growing, and it is important that along with this, a culture of responsible use of technology grows as well. By supporting initiatives like 'Urok Tsifra', we are forming in the younger generation sustainable digital hygiene skills and critical thinking — the foundation of digital security for every person," said Tatyana Trubnikova, Director of the Department for the Development of Digital Competencies and Education at the Ministry of Digital Development of Russia.

      For teachers, Yandex experts have developed methodological materials that will help conduct the lesson and explain to students the principles of neural network operation and the basics of their safe use.

      "It is important for a modern schoolchild to understand the need for continuous improvement of their own competencies, including understanding artificial intelligence technologies. After all, this knowledge will be key to successful adaptation in a rapidly changing world. The next 'Urok Tsifra' will be devoted to the basics of how neural networks are built and issues of their security. We are confident that this skill will become one of the factors of competitiveness and success for future professionals," emphasized Yulia Goryachkina, Director of the "Workforce for the Digital Economy" direction at ANO "Digital Economy".

      Tasks are divided into three levels of difficulty — for primary, middle and high school. Participation is possible at school or at home: the simulator is available online on the "Urok Tsifra" platform, and methodological materials are prepared for in‑person delivery. Participants will receive certificates upon completion of the lesson.

      As a reminder, since 2025, by order of President Vladimir Putin, the national project "Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State" has come into effect in Russia. It includes eight federal projects: "Internet Access Infrastructure", "Digital Platforms in Social Sector Industries", "Artificial Intelligence", "Digital Public Administration", "Domestic Solutions", "Applied Research and Advanced Development", "Cybersecurity Infrastructure", and "Workforce for Digital Transformation". The national project is expected to improve the system of public services, create digital platforms in key sectors, introduce domestic IT solutions across all areas of the economy and improve communication services.

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