AI Education Introduced in Beijing Schools
This semester, artificial intelligence (AI) courses have been added to the curriculum in more than 1,400 primary and secondary schools across Beijing. Students will take at least eight classes each year to learn the fundamentals of AI, its responsible use, and innovative applications. The aim is to enhance children’s technology literacy and strengthen their problem-solving skills.Some schools in Beijing are collaborating with technology companies, allowing students to experience cutting-edge technologies such as robotics and autonomous driving simulations. Officials state that small group work and hands-on projects will help students engage in more creative and active learning environments.
However, experts warn of significant challenges in implementation. The number of universities nationwide training computer science teachers is limited, meaning many schools rely on teachers from other disciplines to deliver the lessons. In addition, the current curriculum does not cover generative AI tools like ChatGPT, forcing teachers to prepare their own supplementary materials.
To prevent overreliance on AI, the Ministry of Education has issued guidelines banning students from directly using AI-generated outputs for assignments and exams. Experts emphasize that with proper planning and balanced application, this model could make a substantial contribution to students’ academic development.