Why do we need to set up artificial intelligence courses in secondary schools? What are the characteristics of this textbook? For secondary school teachers and students, how should we prepare to deal with the teaching and learning of artificial intelligence? The reporter investigated this.
40 schools across the country have introduced teaching materials It is understood that this textbook is a collaboration between East China Normal University's MUC Center and Shangtang Science and Technology. It has been jointly prepared by a number of well-known secondary school teachers in China, and is approved and published by the General Administration of Press and Publication. It is currently in use in 40 schools throughout the country. Elective or school-based courses become the first batch of 'Artificial Intelligence Education Experimental Base School'.
'Unlike other textbooks, this textbook uses the 'hand-brain combination' as the main learning method. It not only pays attention to the introduction of the principle of artificial intelligence, but also pays more attention to the application of these principles in life. ' Professor Chen Yuxi, professor of East China Normal University, said: , 'As an editor of the textbook, we especially hope that students can use their unique imagination to design projects that may be completed during the high school stage and to turn it into unique works.'
The reporter saw that the teaching materials were divided into 9 chapters, mainly based on basic popular knowledge, and introduced the principles and application scenarios of artificial intelligence technologies such as picture recognition, voice recognition, video recognition, computer writing and deep learning, respectively. The pages are equipped with color charts, and a large number of popular science content and examples have been introduced. In addition, the teaching material also supports a teaching experiment platform.
Lin Dahua, a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said that at present, artificial intelligence talent faces a global shortage. In terms of the combination of artificial intelligence and basic education, all countries are still in the process of exploration. The publication of this textbook is a major step in artificial intelligence education. Breakthrough means that artificial intelligence will come out of the 'ivory tower' and enter high school students' knowledge.
'Today, the technology change is too fast, and no one can predict the future career choices. I am very happy to let my children learn to master some artificial intelligence knowledge skills in secondary school. ' A parent told reporters in this way.
The purpose is to popularize the principle of interest As a subject with both academic content and technical content, how should high-school students understand the discipline of artificial intelligence, and how should teachers teach high school teachers?
Most of the final career paths of middle school students are not to become artificial intelligence researchers or engineers, but in the future many industries will benefit from the empowerment of artificial intelligence in varying degrees. Therefore, the subject’s teaching objectives in the middle school stage should be targeted. Let students understand the basic idea of mastering artificial intelligence, basic knowledge, and commonly used algorithms and tools.' Lin Dahua said.
In Chen Yuxi’s view, artificial intelligence teaching and research often use higher mathematics knowledge, which is beyond the knowledge of high school students. Therefore, in the middle school stage, teachers should pay attention to the qualitative introduction of relevant concepts, algorithms, and principles. The 'quantitative part' can be left for later.'
A number of experts said that in the teaching process, teachers should pay special attention to the introduction of artificial intelligence application scenarios. This will not only make the classroom more vivid, students’ interest in learning will increase, but will also enhance teachers and students’ thinking and creativity. .
'Overall, the main purpose of carrying out artificial intelligence courses at the secondary school level is to popularize the principles and techniques of artificial intelligence, and to arouse students' interest in artificial intelligence learning. Of course, it is also expected to lay the foundation for higher education institutions to cultivate top talent in the field of artificial intelligence. Foundation. '
'School-enterprise cooperation' to resolve talent gap Some experts also pointed out that artificial intelligence is an emerging technology and the reserve of secondary school teachers in this area is insufficient.
'Teachers are the foundation of the curriculum.' Professor Yue Long of Shanghai Normal University stated, 'Opening artificial intelligence courses also poses new challenges to teachers' knowledge structure. Therefore it is very important to establish a dedicated teacher training team.' According to the reporter's understanding, Teachers will overcome the shortage of knowledge reserves. The East China Normal University Mucha Center and Shangtang Science and Technology will jointly organize several “Artificial Intelligence Teacher Training Classes” to cultivate a group of artificial intelligence seed teachers. Under their leadership, they will gradually upgrade our teachers. Overall AI literacy, thus improving the difficulties and challenges faced by middle school teachers in carrying out artificial intelligence education and teaching.
'The shortage of teachers’ knowledge in this area is not the most important issue. The key is to have the desire and ability to learn further.' Chen Yuxi said.
The responsible person of Shangtang Technology pointed out that 'school-enterprise cooperation' is an important way to solve the huge gap of applied talents in the field of artificial intelligence. Next, the company will carry out a variety of ways including expert lectures, practical training, teaching practice comments, etc. In-house teacher training in artificial intelligence teaching, 'Let the company release the energy of talent cultivation.'