Guangdong launches comprehensive plan for AI education in schools

Guangdong Province has unveiled a plan that aims at advancing the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) education in primary and secondary schools.

The plan details the required class hours for AI education, mandating that students in grades 1 to 4 receive no less than six class hours per academic year, while those in grades 5 to 6 are required to have at least 10 class hours annually. 

Middle school students will participate in at least one AI class every two weeks, and high school students must have similar opportunities, with a minimum of one class every two weeks during their initial two years, integrated into courses such as information technology and general technology.

Designed with precision, the plan sets forth specific criteria for various aspects of AI education, including curriculum design, teaching resources, teacher training, and educational objectives. This approach aims to provide a solid foundation for schools to implement AI literacy education effectively and to innovate teaching practices using AI technologies.

The initiative outlines the professional responsibilities and essential skills teachers must attain in the intelligent era. This framework addresses five dimensions: awareness and concept, technical ability, educational application, professional development, and social responsibility, serving as a roadmap for systematic enhancement of AI competencies for educators in Guangdong.

The educational plan also adopts a full-chain closed-loop design, ensuring that the curriculum is not only actionable but also evaluable. 

According to a representative from the provincial education department, the focus is on constructing a comprehensive AI education system that encompasses objectives, content, implementation, and evaluation. 

This holistic approach defines the core competencies for AI courses in four dimensions: human intelligence concepts, technological applications, intelligent thinking, and ethical responsibilities.

The plan recommends various methods for evaluating students’ progress, including growth portfolios, learning activity records, data analyses, project evaluations, and measurement scales.