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Starting this year, primary and secondary schools in China's capital, Beijing, have been mandated to conduct artificial intelligence (AI) classes. There, children as young as 6 years old will be taught how to use chatbots and other AI tools, general knowledge of technology and ethical use of AI.
According to Chinese media, a statement issued by the Beijing Municipal Education Commission states that schools can integrate these classes with information technology or science courses or conduct them separately. The Commission has also launched a plan to prepare a multi-year AI curriculum. It is expected to help in building a holistic AI education system.
Beijing aims to maintain China's lead in AI competition through such education. Last December, China's Ministry of Education selected 184 schools to test AI curriculum models and programs. Education Minister Huai Jinpeng said AI is a "golden opportunity" for China's education system.
Inspired by the success of Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China is going to follow suit and start AI education even in schools, according to some analysis. Liang Wenfeng, Dipsic and Wang Xingxing, who graduated from the university, have founded the famous AI company Unitri. Introducing students to AI at an even younger age could see a new wave of innovation in Beijing, the government hopes.
Fortune magazine reported that not only China but also other countries are adopting the policy of providing AI education to children. Just last month, the Estonian government announced a partnership with OpenAI to launch the ChatGPT EDU program for educational purposes in secondary schools. This program will be implemented in classes 10 and 11 from next September.
The President of Estonia, Alar Karis, has said that he is about to start a new chapter in the development of the country's education system and digital society. "AI has changed the world permanently," he said, "like other sectors, the education sector should also move forward by absorbing this change."
Canada and South Korea have also included AI in studies from primary to secondary levels. These countries have adopted AI-based digital textbooks and teaching-learning through the use of AI in the classroom. A private school in the UK announced last year that it had started 'teacherless' classes. Arrangements have been made for 20 students to receive education using virtual reality headsets and AI platforms.
In the US, free AI-based educational tools such as 'AI Reader' and 'Writing Assistant' can be used as private tutors. But the United Nations has said that there are risks of such tools and clear guidance on the use of AI tools is needed keeping in mind the safety of children. The United Nations suggests that 'humanity' should be kept at the center while developing the curriculum related to AI.
