The AI Boom Triggered by DeepSeek... "Let's Teach AI to Elementary and Middle School Students" Across China

Beijing, Guangdong, and Other Regions Announce Launch
Pilot Programs Already Underway in Some Areas

Classroom stock photo from China to aid article understanding

There is a growing wave of artificial intelligence (AI) education across many regions in China. Education departments in several areas, including Guangdong Province and Beijing, are starting AI education programs for elementary and secondary school students.

According to multiple Chinese media outlets such as Sina Finance and Jimu News on the 11th, the Guangdong Provincial Department of Education announced the implementation of AI education the day before. Reports indicate that Guangdong is focusing on the goals of AI education, subjects that can utilize AI, and teacher training. Efforts are being made to train teachers so that students can understand and effectively use AI education.

Beijing will also conduct AI classes for elementary and secondary school students starting from the fall semester this year. Last month, the "Beijing Elementary and Secondary School Artificial Intelligence Education Promotion Work Plan" was announced, stating that AI-related education will be gradually implemented from this year. Beijing plans to establish an educational system by focusing on building an AI education framework and a teacher system.

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Recently, China has been paying significant attention to AI education. On the 7th, Shangguan News reported, "In recent months, the 'AI trend' has swept across elementary and secondary schools nationwide," covering the "AI education boom" in China. According to the report, on the 26th of last month, the Jiangsu Provincial Institute of Education Science hosted a teacher training event on AI application in elementary and secondary schools in Jiangsu Province, held in Nanjing. Approximately 200,000 people watched and learned simultaneously via live broadcast. They jointly explored new applications and directions for AI-based education.

The report also stated that some schools in China have already started pilot AI education programs. Chen Peipei, an English teacher at Jinchang Middle School in Suzhou who conducted English classes using AI, recently told Shangguan News, "Through AI, we create English vocabulary lists and analyze data to set learning directions for students," adding, "It helps in planning personalized education." She emphasized, "AI is only an auxiliary tool in education," and "The core of education is the harmony between teachers and students." Shi Jingwen, a teacher at Tianbigong Elementary School in Nanjing, said, "We conducted AI learning under the theme 'Journey to the West with AI,'" explaining, "This system generates graphs within five minutes and automatically instructs students to solve practice problems."

Zhu Hongwei, Vice President of the China Education Society, stressed that while AI education is important, students should be given ample time to think, explore, and reflect independently without relying on AI. He said, "We support the rapid development of Chinese AI such as DeepSea, DuBao, WenXin YiYan, TongYi QianWen, and MiTa, but we must not lower our guard," adding, "Appropriate regulations are necessary considering the impact of AI on young people."

Meanwhile, in January, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council announced the "Outline of the Plan for Building a Strong Education Nation (2024-2035)." The Ministry of Education emphasized the need to strengthen AI education for elementary and secondary school students and set rapid growth in the education sector as a key task.