POLICIES AND PRACTICES OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE EDUCATION IN CHINA

Abstract

This article analyzes education policies and practices in artificial intelligence (AI) in China, aiming to understand how the Chinese educational system is implementing AI in education. The study highlights China's prominent position as a global leader in AI, emphasizing its commitment to technological advancement and influence expansion. The research is based on a literature review of online official documents, academic articles, and reports from international organizations such as the OECD. It explores the decentralized structure of the Chinese educational system, characterized by central coordination coupled with local autonomy, emphasizing the collaborative ecosystem among schools, universities, and industries. Recent reforms include integrating core competencies into the curriculum to foster technical and socio-emotional skills aligned with 21st-century demands. Findings indicate that China is making significant investments in AI education at all levels, from primary to higher education, aiming to develop innovative talent and promote equitable access to quality education. However, the study also identifies challenges, such as balancing the emphasis on summative assessments with developing collaborative and critical thinking skills, as well as ensuring the inclusion of students from rural and disadvantaged areas. Examples of initiatives aiming to comprehensively integrate AI into the educational system include "Intelligent Education Demonstration Zones," the "Smart Education platform of China" guidelines for AI education in primary and secondary schools, higher education AI training strategies, and the "Beijing AI Education Application Guide."