Editorial | Hong Kong needs a centralised AI curriculum for its students
The city has proactively adopted artificial intelligence in the school system, but courses still fall short on guiding proper use
New revelations about how widespread AI use is among Hong Kong students must be a wake-up call for the city. While the Education Bureau has been looking into curriculum changes, the research highlights the need for a more comprehensive and centralised approach to AI use in schools.
Our Hong Kong Foundation said this month that it found 95 per cent of students use the technology. Nearly one in four admitted they struggle to finish homework without artificial intelligence, according to a survey the think tank did from July to December last year.
More than 91 per cent of teachers also used AI tools according to the survey of 1,200 primary and secondary teachers and students. Most relied on open-source apps such as Poe, DeepSeek and Doubao. Only 3 per cent of teachers and 7 per cent of students used tools developed by their own institutions.
More than 70 per cent of teachers were worried about AI’s toll on students’ problem-solving skills, and 63 per cent felt it threatened critical thinking skills.
Such concerns are warranted. However, AI increasingly is becoming a fundamental learning tool like calculators or the internet. It makes sense to respond by developing an academic structure to make better use of AI.
Authorities have taken some important steps. In 2023, an AI curriculum for junior secondary students was launched to cover AI basics as well as ethical and social implications. An enriched module on coding was also rolled out for primary schools.