In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved, creating unprecedented opportunities and challenges worldwide. Various industries have adopted AI technologies, with applications ranging from chatbot customer service to image and facial recognition. In education, AI has sparked significant debate. While some educators choose to ban tools like the AI chatbot ChatGPT, others believe teachers should lead the way by integrating AI into the classroom, guiding students into a new educational era. So, how will the education sector in Hong Kong respond to this technological shift?
Promoting STEAM to Strengthen AI Development
Back in July 2017, The State Council of the People's Republic of China, elevated AI technology to a national strategic priority, proposing the implementation of universal AI education in the "Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan" This included integrating AI and programming courses into primary and secondary education. This year, the government continues to advocate for AI education and its applications. It's estimated that last year, China invested over $1 billion in AI education, ranking second globally. Moreover, domestic youth have shown a strong interest in AI technology, with Artificial Intelligence consistently being one of the most popular subjects in college entrance exams since 2021.
（Mainland China is vigorously developing AI education.）
Hong Kong's AI education is keeping pace with this trend, as numerous STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and AI educational institutions emerge. The government is actively promoting STEAM education; the Chief Executive's 2022 Policy Address proposed adding more innovative technology elements to primary and secondary curricula, including enhancing programming education in upper primary levels and introducing AI in junior secondary schools. Additionally, this year’s budget allocated an extra $300 million to strengthen STEAM education and to extend the " IT Innovation Lab in Secondary Schools " program for three years, providing up to $1 million in funding for each subsidized secondary school to organize extracurricular activities related to information technology.
Primary and secondary schools are proactively promoting STEAM in alignment with the government's direction, integrating innovative technology elements into their curricula. Some schools are developing courses in programming, technology education, and AI topics, incorporating STEAM into regular classes rather than just as extracurricular activities. Schools are also arranging for students to participate in large-scale STEAM activities and competitions, providing learning experiences and practical opportunities outside the classroom. This helps students cultivate knowledge and interest in technology, encouraging them to understand and apply AI, and nurturing innovative research talent.
（Hong Kong continues to advance on its path of scientific innovation.）
Leveraging AI to Enhance Teaching Effectiveness
On the other hand, the academic community is leveraging AI technology to improve learning and teaching effectiveness. Since the launch of ChatGPT late last year, it has gained worldwide popularity for its capabilities in programming, creative writing, and translation, though it has raised concerns about plagiarism and copyright issues. The Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Lillian Cheong Man-lei, pointed out that the impact of innovative technologies (like AI and ChatGPT) on student learning requires further exploration. The Education Bureau will organize timely seminars and workshops for teachers to help them effectively teach students about innovative technologies.
The Education University of Hong Kong announced its teaching strategy regarding AI-generated tools in March this year, stating that "AI can help cultivate students’ independent thinking and innovative mindset." It recommends that educators view AI as an important teaching partner and encourage students to engage with new technologies early on. The university agrees that students may use AI-assisted tools in class, provided they disclose their use in their academic work and reflect on their learning processes involving AI. In fact, some schools and educational institutions have already employed AI systems to analyze students' mistakes after completing exercises, tailoring learning effectively based on data analysis of their strengths and weaknesses.
In the upcoming 2024’s Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) examination, there will be school-based assessments (SBA) for 12 core subjects. The Examination and Assessment Authority recently updated its Information on SBA Booklet ,adding guidelines regarding students' use of AI. The authority noted that if students use AI tools during their SBA process, they must cite them as they would any other reference material and cannot present AI-generated work as their own; failing to do so will be considered plagiarism.
The authority emphasized that AI cannot replace genuine learning experiences. Over-reliance or improper use of AI tools may reduce students' opportunities for hands-on learning. Information provided by AI comes from the internet, which may contain errors or biases and lacks verifiable sources. The authority suggests that teachers or appointed reviewers use their experience or online search engines and anti-plagiarism software to prevent instances of plagiarism among candidates.