China’s capital, Beijing, is making AI education compulsory for students — including elementary schoolers, according to ”businessinsider.com” .
Starting this fall, schools in the city must provide at least eight hours of AI instruction per academic year, the Beijing Municipal Education Commission said in a statement on Friday. Schools can teach AI as a stand-alone course or integrate it into existing courses like science and information technology.
Under the new plan, elementary schoolers, typically ages six to twelve, would take hands-on courses to kick-start their understanding of AI. Those in middle school would learn how to apply AI in schoolwork and daily life, while high schoolers would focus on strengthening AI applications and innovation, the agency said.
In China, compulsory education consists of six years of elementary school, three years of middle school, and three years of high school.
The commission said the initiative is meant to create a „teacher-student-machine” learning model and integrate AI ethics.
Beijing isn’t alone in pushing for AI education in schools. Last year, California passed a law requiring its education board to consider AI literacy in school curricula. Reuters reported in September that Italy would begin testing AI-powered tools in 15 classrooms as part of a broader effort to enhance students’ digital skills.
Beijing’s decision to make AI education mandatory comes as China powers ahead in the AI race, with its homegrown startups gaining global attention.
Read the full art. on ”businessinsider.com” .
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