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

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming classrooms in Hong Kong, where about 60 percent of primary and secondary schools are incorporating AI into teaching and administration, according to a recent survey conducted by the Education University of Hong Kong. The government has supported this trend with a digital education development blueprint, a HK$500,000 (US$63,733) grant for each publicly-funded school, and a funding program to purchase or develop AI software, hardware, and platforms.

One example of AI integration in Hong Kong classrooms is a budgeting game created by teacher Cynthia Doo Chi-yin for her Primary Two humanities class. In the game, students manage a digital pet's monthly spending, learning about the consequences of careless spending and collaboration with AI. However, assessing students' AI-assisted work poses challenges for teachers, who require additional training and support.

Dr. Dragán Gasevic, a chair professor at the University of Hong Kong, emphasizes the need to shift assessments from final products to the processes involved in using AI. He suggests developing tools that allow students and teachers to replay interactions with AI and identify weaknesses.

For students with special educational needs, AI can assist in overcoming learning barriers by responding to emotional needs and offering alternative input methods like pictures and voice recognition. Hong Chi Winifred Mary Cheung Morninghope School, which caters to children with intellectual disabilities, has implemented AI-driven robots and avatars to support these students in their learning journey.