In recent years, China has rushed to pursue “intelligent education.” Now its billion-dollar ed-tech companies are planning to export their vision overseas, reports Karen Hao.Racing ahead: While experts puzzle over AI’s role in education, China hasn’t waited around. Its AI-enabled teaching and learning sector has exploded. Tens of millions of students now use some form of AI to learn—whether through extracurricular tutoring programs like Squirrel’s, digital learning platforms like 17ZuoYe, or even in their main classrooms.
Blowing up: At the moment, it looks like this could be a huge new business area. That’s got Silicon Valley interested. And the Chinese firms behind the programs are already beginning to export their models globally.
A note of caution: Experts worry about the direction this rush is taking. At best, they say, AI can help teachers foster their students’ interests and strengths. But it could also further entrench a global trend toward standardized learning and testing, leaving the next generation ill-prepared to adapt in a rapidly changing world of work. Read the full story here.