From digital pets to robot pals: how AI is changing Hong Kong classrooms

In Hong Kong classrooms, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming educational experiences, ranging from virtual pets that teach budgeting to AI-driven companions for students with special educational needs. A recent Education University of Hong Kong survey revealed that approximately 60% of primary and secondary schools are utilizing AI in teaching or administration, supported by a government blueprint for digital education and a HK$500,000 (US$63,733) grant per publicly funded school.

Schools are developing AI platforms or collaborating with industry to tailor technology to their students' unique needs.

At SKH Kei Oi Primary School in Sham Shui Po, primary school students debated their virtual pet's needs, such as meal vouchers or game cards, as part of a lesson on saving and budgeting. The AI-driven pet's mood and savings fluctuated on screen based on spending decisions, illustrating the consequences of poor financial choices.

Principal Szeto Kar-ying emphasized that while finding suitable AI tools in the market was challenging, the school prioritized teaching needs over the latest technology, collaborating with industry when necessary.

Cynthia Doo Chi-yin, a teacher, developed an AI budgeting game where her students managed a digital pet's monthly spending, sparking excitement as they learned the consequences of irrational spending. However, AI's integration into classrooms has also posed challenges in assessing students' abilities. Teacher Chan Yuk, the school's IT coordinator, highlighted that assessment should focus on the process students use with AI rather than merely the final product, adding workload to teachers' responsibilities.

To address these challenges, Dragan Gasevic, chair professor at the University of Hong Kong, suggested shifting assessments to focus on the underlying process rather than just the end result. He proposed tools that allow teachers and students to replay AI interactions, identifying weaknesses and guiding improvements. Gasevic also emphasized the need for specialized adaptive systems designed for education, rather than relying solely on general-purpose AI like ChatGPT or Gemini, which lack the individualized components essential for meaningful learning gains.

For students with special educational needs, AI offers invaluable support by addressing emotional needs and providing alternative input methods such as pictures and voice commands. Hong Chi Winifred Mary Cheung, principal of Hong Chi Winifred Mary Cheung Morninghope School, which caters to children with intellectual disabilities, implemented humanoid robots and AI avatars to immerse students in technology and foster independence.

The school's customized AI platform, developed in partnership with a technology company, serves as an assistant on students' tablets, tailored to accommodate their unique learning challenges.