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Schools in China urged to teach artificial intelligence to children

South China Morning Post
30 Dec, 2024

Primary and secondary schools have been asked to include AI in their computer science courses and field trips.

The Chinese government wants schools to add artificial intelligence to
the curriculum. Photo: Shutterstock
The Chinese government wants schools to add artificial intelligence to the curriculum. Photo: Shutterstock
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What does the Ministry of Education want lower primary students to learn?

Think about it

What does the Ministry of Education want lower primary students to learn?

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Difficulty: Summiteer (Level 3)

China has urged its primary and secondary schools to teach students to use artificial intelligence (AI).

The Ministry of Education has said the move will help nurture young talent in the field and “meet the country’s future demand”.

In 2017, Beijing unveiled a plan to become the world leader in artificial intelligence.

More than 500 Chinese universities and colleges have already rolled out the option to study the subject since then.

The ministry has asked that AI courses be launched in a clear and organised way. It said pupils in lower primary should gain experience and develop basic ideas about AI, while those in higher grades should understand and learn how to apply the technology.

Schools were asked to incorporate the technology into their computer science courses and field trips. Teachers should also be trained.

This is the first time China has set AI education goals in primary and secondary schools.

Answer: to gain experience and develop basic ideas about AI

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