Advancing AI in Education

On March 31, the Ministry of Education held a meeting to mark the fourth anniversary of the National Smart Education Public Service Platform. The meeting focused on summarizing the achievements of the digital education strategy during the 14th Five-Year Plan and outlined key tasks for the 15th Five-Year Plan. The emphasis was placed on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) as a crucial variable to integrate AI into all aspects of education.

Minister Huai Jinpeng highlighted the implementation of the national digital education strategy, which aims to enhance moral education, promote the development of education technology, improve public education services, foster professional development for teachers, and build a globally influential education center. AI is reshaping the foundational logic of education and creating new demands for innovation and high-quality development.

Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan, the focus will be on several key areas:

• AI for School Education: Upgrading educational centers to support personalized growth and learning, and cultivating interdisciplinary talents and high-skilled professionals in emerging AI-related fields.
• AI for Lifelong Education: Establishing lifelong learning centers that connect school education with industry and social education, enhancing employability for graduates and fostering a learning society.
• AI for Technological Innovation: Building innovation centers to gather resources and facilitate the transformation of technological achievements.
• AI for International Exchange: Designing Chinese education centers to expand the international influence of Chinese education.
• AI for Teacher Development: Upgrading teacher centers to support the growth of high-quality, professional educators.
• AI for Educational Governance: Enhancing governance centers to improve the modern governance level of education and increase public satisfaction.

Minister Huai emphasized the importance of a correct performance perspective, strengthening expectation management, and ensuring effective implementation of the digital education strategy. He called for collaborative efforts to break down departmental barriers, coordinate resources, and focus on practical solutions to complex challenges.

The meeting also introduced a new version of the National Smart Education Public Service Platform, featuring new centers for lifelong learning, technological innovation, Chinese education, and educational big data. Representatives from various educational institutions shared insights on the implementation of the AI in education initiative.

The meeting was conducted via video conference, with participation from various educational leaders and officials.