The Beijing Municipal Education Commission on Friday released its three-year work plan on promoting artificial intelligence (AI) general education in primary and secondary schools, as part of the capital city's efforts to comprehensively advance the reform and development of basic education empowered by AI.
Taking effect from the coming fall semester, the plan requires schools to set general AI courses in no less than eight class hours per academic year, trying to cover AI technology in the process of assisting students with instructing, learning, educating, evaluating and researching approaches.
For students in primary schools, the plan says the courses should focus on experiential learning to introduce students to basic AI concepts and thinking. As for middle school students, the plan requires the courses to put emphasis on cognitive learning of AI to help students understand how AI can enhance their studies and daily lives.
For students in high schools, the plan allows the courses to focus on comprehensive and practical applications to teach students AI application skills and innovation spirit.
Beyond the classroom, the plan also encourages schools and districts to establish AI innovation labs, develop advanced research-oriented AI courses, organize summer and winter camps on AI, and explore the possibilities of partnerships with universities.
In addition, universities, research institutions, and high-tech companies are encouraged to open their AI labs and science museums to primary and secondary school students to create real-world learning settings and practice opportunities.
Furthermore, the plan also indicates that Beijing plans to cultivate 100 professional teachers and 1,000 backbone teachers in batches to promote the implementation of AI education. Teachers from relevant subjects will be invited to participate in the cultivation programs to form a dedicated AI education faculty.
Beijing to open AI courses for primary, secondary school students
