Creating Picture Books with AI: Broadening Horizons in Rural Areas and Realizing Digital Equity

Amid the rapid evolution and global wave of AI technology, tech is not only an engine driving industrial upgrades but also a crucial opportunity to transform education. However, bridging the widening digital divide between urban and rural areas has been a core issue of deep and long-term concern for Wistron Corporation. Upholding its sustainability commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)—the Hsinchu Plant initiated a deep collaboration with the "Ru-Le Platform" under the K-12 Education Administration, Ministry of Education. Through the "AI Co-learning Project," the company aims to plant the seeds of AI knowledge at the grassroots level, build a solid bridge for students' digital empowerment, and forge a cross-sector collaborative model among the government, enterprises, and schools. This opens a new chapter for digital creativity in rural areas and realizes the company's corporate social impact.



In 2025, the Hsinchu Plant reached out to two schools in Hsinchu County—Neiwan Elementary School and Dongguang Elementary School—creating a unique 8-hour "AI Technology and Sustainability Literacy" course for 55 students. Unlike traditional, one-way computer operation lessons, this project specifically emphasized the cross-disciplinary integration of "technological tool application and environmental sustainability awareness," aiming to lead local students in taking their first steps into the AI world. The curriculum was designed to teach basic AI principles and prompting techniques in an accessible manner. It guided students to brainstorm green concepts regarding climate change, ecological conservation, and local school features. With the assistance of AI generation technology, the students' care for nature was woven into their story concepts and transformed into imaginative, colorful "AI Eco-friendly Picture Books."



The impact of this course extended beyond the students, facilitating a two-way exchange and co-creation with local educators. In the past, local elementary schools often faced challenges when promoting information technology education. During this collaboration, school teachers observed and participated in the entire process, while Wistron’s Hsinchu team actively listened to the teachers' practical experiences in rural education. The convergence of corporate technological thinking and frontline educational expertise allowed both parties to collaboratively develop the most suitable digital learning model for local students. Following the course, local teachers integrated AI tools into other subjects, leading students in cross-disciplinary learning. This truly embedded IT tools into daily instruction, effectively filling the gap in cutting-edge tech teaching staff and learning resources in rural schools.



Ultimately, the AI picture books created by the students—the fruits of their creative efforts—will become the most precious sustainability teaching materials on campus. Looking ahead, the Hsinchu Plant will continue to deepen its local connections. It is hoped that this infusion of cross-sector educational resources will serve as a catalyst to inspire further initiatives, making AI technology an irreplaceable companion for local students and providing ongoing support for their learning journeys.