Artificial intelligence (AI) education in China has been flourishing. Starting from September this year, Shanghai-based Fudan University will launch at least 100 AI courses during the upcoming academic year, with no less than 60 courses being offered in the fall semester of this year alone.
The innovate initiative aligns with the educational authorities' plan to enhance digital literacy nationwide, as well as with the country's AI development goals to cultivate AI talents that will drive innovation and growth across emerging industries.
"We are not establishing an artificial intelligence institute, but mobilizing all students to aim at the construction of a scientific intelligence innovation ecosystem," Chen Yan, Executive Vice Dean of the Graduate School of Fudan University, was quoted by media as saying that starting from the freshmen, the study plans for each degree program will clearly specify the requirements for cultivating AI literacy and capabilities. According to its official website, Fudan University has 15,303 undergraduate and 36,690 graduate students.
The scheme is to allow students to actively adapt to the widespread future use of scientific intelligence. Although it is difficult to predict how many industries will be related to AI in the future, what can be told is that mastering AI will lead students to better growth and success, according to a Fudan University statement published online.
A number of universities, along with multiple government departments including the Ministry of Education, have implemented an action plan to enhance digital literacy and skills. This collaborative approach is designed to establish a more extensive system for developing digital literacy and skills, promoting digital competency in schools, and advancing the digital economy.
