It is no secret that AI technology will become the most vital technology in the upcoming decades. Now, China may speed up its development of AI technology by setting up more AI-related and coding courses in primary and secondary schools, according to the Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan, issued by the State Council recently.
AI, which stands for Artificial Intelligence, is for now the most prominent technology in the world. Drawing on subjects like computer science, mathematics, psychology, and neuroscience, AI technology is set to bring reform to all industries and is already changing the society profoundly.
To cultivate students’ interest in AI technology, more fundamental courses focusing on AI initiation will be added to the syllabus of primary and secondary education. For instance, starting from this year, first-grade students will have Science. The subject was previously only set for third-grade students. At the same time, more science infrastructure will be constructed and more AI-related contests will be held in order to ensure students more accesses to AI education.
In addition, the government will also encourage AI-related courses in institutes of higher learning, vocational schools and training centers to foster more specialists. Also, preferential policies will be applied to support domestic AI enterprises to cooperate with international leading AI teams, institutes and corporations.
China has made a three-step national strategy to boost the AI industry development in China, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the establishment of AI-related laws, regulations as well as ethic norms.
There is no doubt that setting up AI-related courses is more good than bad for kids, as it can broaden their horizons. However, there are concerns that some unlicensed training centers may seize the chance to make a quick profit. We visited a few training centers across the city and found that some of them have already added programming classes, using slogans like “Your kids’ future depends on it” in their advertising.
Let’s hope not.
