China introduces AI into primary school curriculum

Starting this September, primary and secondary schools in Beijing will officially integrate AI courses and AI teaching methods into their educational curricula. The move is aimed at cultivating young talents and promoting the development of the AI ​​field in China.

In a notice posted on their official website on March 7, Chinese education authorities stressed that schools will “explore and build” AI courses, and introduce AI into after-school services, club activities, scientific research and other education systems from the coming fall semester.

In addition, schools will also collaborate with leading businesses, universities, research institutes and industry associations to develop specialized AI training programs.

AI tools will be used to shape the classroom of the future, where AI will play a role in supporting teaching, learning research, and personalizing learning experiences.

Under the new regulations, schools are required to provide at least eight hours of AI training per year, which can be through dedicated courses or integrated into existing subjects such as information technology (IT) and science.

Promoting AI amid global technology competition

The expansion of AI education comes as China steps up its AI development ambitions amid global technology competition.

With the rapid development of domestic AI applications and companies, the Chinese government is increasing investment and support for this field.

According to the plan, AI will be integrated into the curriculum at each educational level. Accordingly, at the primary level, the focus will be on opening up AI thinking for students, helping them get acquainted with the concept and potential of this technology.

For secondary schools, practical courses will be applied, helping students enhance their ability to apply AI and access innovative technological methods.

In particular, students will be guided to use AI tools scientifically, rationally and responsibly, to limit potential risks.

In addition, the teaching staff will also be carefully selected, with priority given to teachers with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) backgrounds to improve the quality of AI teaching in Beijing.

The challenge of controlling deepfakes and data privacy

The growing popularity of AI, especially deepfake technology and generative AI tools, has raised many debates about the safety and ethics of students using AI.

Chinese lawmakers have warned of the risk of misuse of AI technology without strict regulation.

In a statement quoted in state media, Zhang Yi, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), stressed that the rapid development of AI could bring with it problems such as biased algorithms, privacy violations and data security vulnerabilities.

He also warned that the risks and uncertainties from AI will be a long-term challenge for governance, requiring China to have an effective management strategy to ensure that this technology is developed and used safely and ethically.