East Meets West: AI Integration Diverges in Vietnam, China, and NYC
While some countries are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) in their classrooms, New York City is taking a more cautious approach. Vietnam and China have recently introduced initiatives to integrate AI into their education systems, with the goal of preparing younger generations for the digital economy.
The Vietnamese government has established an AI educational framework that will be compulsory for elementary to high school students starting from 2026-2027. The framework focuses on human-centered thinking, ethics, techniques, and applications, as well as system design. Students will learn about the basic concepts of AI and its role in daily life, as well as personal data protection and copyright.
China has also released a joint action plan to explore the use of AI in special education. The goal is to make special education more accessible and personalized for students with disabilities. The government plans to integrate AI applications in special education schools, including physical support and teaching assistance.
In contrast, New York City's Education Department has decided to restrict the use of AI devices for public school students from early childhood through eighth grade. The department is concerned about the potential negative effects of AI on mental health and cognitive development. Students will only be allowed limited screen time in classrooms, with elementary students getting 30 minutes and middle school students getting 45 minutes.