To achieve its AI ambition, Hong Kong must start investing in schools

With rapid advances in technological development transforming industries and permeating every facet of our lives, there are mounting calls for schools to embrace artificial intelligence in the curriculum. While the focus on AI can seem overwhelming, the role of schools in this new AI-driven world demands attention.

Where there is a focus on AI in schools, it is likely to be about effective and ethical ways to use AI. This is important, especially the focus on ethical issues, but there is perhaps a more significant role for schools – particularly as part of AI ecosystems to prepare Hong Kong for a more productive economic future.

What is the best way ahead for schools and what needs to be done? It is important for both schools and governments to make decisions about the future before that future overtakes them.

In April, the Hong Kong government released its Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline, providing basic principles for the development of AI and its governance – with very few practical implications for schools.

The Education Bureau is supporting schools to engage with AI, especially with coding in primary schools and in the teaching of STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). These are important initiatives. Yet on the mainland and elsewhere in the region, there are innovations from which Hong Kong could benefit.

In China’s recently released updated guidelines on enhancing AI literacy in primary and secondary schools, there are suggestions for integrating AI learning into classrooms and scaffolding it across the years of schooling.

  

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