Beijing will implement mandatory AI courses for elementary and middle school students beginning September 1, requiring at least eight hours per year. The initiative reflects China’s ambition to lead in AI, highlighted by local advancements in the sector. However, caution is needed, as excessive trust in AI has been shown to impair critical thinking abilities.
Beijing is embarking on an educational revolution, as schools prepare to launch mandatory artificial intelligence classes for elementary and middle school students starting September 1. Each student will partake in a minimum of eight hours of AI education per academic year. These classes can stand alone or be woven into current subjects like information technology and science, creating a holistic approach to learning about this burgeoning field.
China’s aspirations to lead in artificial intelligence are long-standing, and this initiative reflects the nation’s commitment to nurturing future talent. The global spotlight recently shone on China’s AI sector when DeepSeek, a local startup, revealed its model that rivals those of major American firms while being less resource-intensive. This innovation showcases the incredible potential that AI holds for both education and industry.
In a further commitment to this educational trend, China plans to publish a comprehensive guide on utilizing AI in education by 2025. However, caution is warranted; a study conducted by Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University revealed that placing excessive trust in AI can weaken critical thinking skills. With 319 IT professionals surveyed, the results indicate a notable decline in cognitive abilities linked to overconfidence in AI technologies.
With mandatory AI education making its debut in Beijing schools, China reaffirms its goal to steer the future of technology. By integrating at least eight hours of AI coursework into the curriculum, the country aims to build a generation of innovators ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. However, the findings from studies on AI’s impact on cognitive skills serve as a reminder to balance enthusiasm with critical engagement in these technologies.
Original Source: unn.ua
