Beijing to Introduce AI Classes in Schools to Foster Talent and Accelerate Development
China’s Latest Efforts to Accelerate AI Development
China has made significant strides in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years, with the latest development being the introduction of AI classes in schools. According to state media, all primary and secondary schools in Beijing will offer at least eight hours of AI classes per academic year from the semester starting in early September.
Accelerating AI Development and Fostering Talent
The move is part of China’s efforts to accelerate AI development and foster talent in the sector. The country has been a hotbed for AI innovation, with startups like DeepSeek making waves in the global market. DeepSeek’s latest version of its AI chatbot has been particularly impressive, rivaling or even surpassing the capabilities of Western competitors like ChatGPT at a fraction of the cost.
Innovative Teaching Methods
Schools in Beijing will adopt innovative teaching methods to integrate AI into their curriculum. These methods will utilize AI companions, AI research assistants, and other intelligent agents to facilitate human-computer dialogue learning. This will enable students to develop essential skills in AI development, such as coding, data analysis, and problem-solving.
Collaboration between Universities and Secondary Schools
Beijing also plans to explore more opportunities for collaboration between universities and secondary schools to cultivate AI talent. This includes developing advanced AI education courses focused on the early development of outstanding innovative talents. The goal is to create a pipeline of skilled professionals who can drive the growth of China’s AI industry.
Government Support
The move has been welcomed by the government, which has been strengthening the role of state enterprises in the world’s second-largest economy. President Xi Jinping has also been cracking down on "disorderly" expansion in several industries, including the tech sector. The recent talks between Xi and Chinese tech tycoons have boosted optimism about the sector’s future.
New AI Assistants
The spotlight is now on new Chinese AI assistants, with hopes that they could rival DeepSeek. Chinese tech giant Alibaba has unveiled an artificial intelligence model called QwQ-32B, which has "comparable performance" to DeepSeek while requiring far less data to run. Another powerful new AI agent, Manus, is also making waves in the country, with abilities generally considered more advanced than a chatbot.
Conclusion
The introduction of AI classes in Beijing schools is a significant step towards developing the country’s AI talent pool. With the government’s support and the emergence of new AI assistants, China is poised to become a major player in the global AI industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of introducing AI classes in Beijing schools?
A: The purpose is to accelerate AI development and foster talent in the sector.
Q: How many hours of AI classes will schools offer per academic year?
A: At least eight hours of AI classes will be offered per academic year.
Q: What are the innovative teaching methods that will be used?
A: AI companions, AI research assistants, and other intelligent agents will be used to facilitate human-computer dialogue learning.
Q: What is the government’s role in supporting the AI industry?
A: The government has been strengthening the role of state enterprises in the world’s second-largest economy and cracking down on "disorderly" expansion in several industries, including the tech sector.