China’s education system rapidly implementing AI and its growing impact on the education industry creates many new opportunities for domestic ed-tech companies to provide AI-based solutions. Education providers, both university and K-12, are looking for solutions to help improve and change how they educate students, based on the growing interest in the application of AI-powered learning/teaching solutions from educational institutions.
According to Lu Bin, co-founder of Gaotu Group, there is a strong demand for platforms that provide both an efficient learning environment through AI-enhanced curriculum, as well as personalized learning, because these solutions will support and promote institutional change within the education sector. As AI becomes a part of the curriculum and campus operations, education providers need to find trustworthy partners to provide intelligent learning experiences.
Gaotu recently formed a partnership with Renmin University of China to develop an AI Smart Education Joint Laboratory which will combine academic research and industry expertise in order to investigate new ways to utilize AI in education; specifically through the use of advanced reasoning, large models and intelligent agents. University administration officials are stating that this type of collaboration between the industry and universities has significantly accelerated the ability of higher learning institutions to deploy innovative teaching models and broaden the use of AI throughout their campuses.
China has made great strides in increasing artificial intelligence (AI) literacy through universities across the country. A recent survey conducted by MyCos Institute indicated that nearly every university student has utilised some form of generative AI tool and approximately 60% of these students regularly use them as a part of their education. The top universities within China have begun offering AI courses that are available to students from all different majors. Furthermore, several universities are introducing additional interdisciplinary programmes as well as AI literacy modules.
The government’s support for these advancements comes as part of a larger effort to strengthen Education within China through National Educational Reform. The Ministry of Education has released new regulations that encourage “AI + Education” in all levels of education. Additionally, AI Education will be mandatory from Primary School through University.
A report published by Stanford University indicates that China is at the forefront of worldwide interest and enthusiasm for AI, which indicates the widespread acceptance and support of the general population for the advances happening within this field.
Project-based Learning is becoming more and more popular, while technology companies continue to establish stronger ties to Education. Experts have indicated that developing a systematic approach to AI Literacy will be an ongoing challenge, and that it is likely that Universities will continue to be a leader in providing information and research on AI, while private-sector driven educational programs may provide greater support for developing practical skills training related to AI.