Photo by Kimmi Jun
From Smart Classrooms to Research Assistants, AI Reshapes the Future of Education
Imagine a classroom where blackboards are replaced by interactive screens, and students answer questions on tablets instead of paper. In China, this vision is becoming reality as artificial intelligence (AI) transforms the education landscape, revolutionizing learning experiences and narrowing the urban-rural divide.
At a middle school in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, English teacher Zeng Xing has seen firsthand how AI has reshaped education during her 17-year career. With a smart classroom system developed by Chinese AI giant iFLYTEK, she assigns exercises digitally, and students submit answers instantly through personal learning tablets. A large screen at the front displays students’ responses in real time, allowing AI-driven analysis to pinpoint individual learning gaps and personalize instruction.
“We can now quickly identify students’ weaknesses and make teaching plans accordingly, which is far more efficient than before,” said Zeng.
Beyond assessments, AI-powered tools help students refine their English-speaking skills through interactive dialogues sourced from movies, news, and poetry. AI provides instant pronunciation feedback, helping students speak more fluently and confidently.
For rural schools, AI is an equalizer. Huang Hui, head of the Guizhou school, emphasized AI’s role in bridging educational gaps in regions where complex geography and limited resources often hinder learning opportunities. By expanding access to high-quality teaching materials, AI helps level the playing field between urban and rural students.
AI Goes Beyond the Classroom
Beyond traditional subjects, AI is also enhancing physical education. At Tsinghua University Primary School, students engage in AI-assisted activities during breaks. Smart sports equipment tracks movement with just a wave of the hand, making exercise more interactive and engaging.
Higher education institutions are also embracing AI-driven tools. Chinese AI assistant DeepSeek is gaining traction among universities, offering researchers a digital assistant for project design, data collection, and literature reviews.
“Using DeepSeek with a dedicated document database can greatly improve efficiency,” said Qian Minghui of Renmin University. “It acts as a research assistant, even helping provide research clues and identify suitable partners.”
Recognizing AI’s growing impact, China’s Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng announced plans for a 2025 white paper on AI education, aimed at enhancing digital literacy and preparing students for the AI-driven future. Starting next semester, Beijing’s primary and secondary schools will introduce at least eight hours of AI instruction per year, nurturing the next generation of innovators.
Balancing Innovation with Responsibility
While AI brings undeniable advantages, it also raises concerns about data privacy, security, and academic integrity.
“It is crucial that we establish policies on AI usage, enhance technological oversight, and strengthen ethics education for teachers and students,” said Tang Liang, deputy director at the Beijing Academy of Educational Sciences.
With AI rapidly reshaping education, China is embracing the technology while ensuring responsible and ethical implementation—a step that could define the future of learning worldwide.
