Artificial intelligence (AI) education in China is rapidly advancing, with Fudan University in Shanghai spearheading this movement. Starting in September, Fudan will introduce at least 100 AI courses for the upcoming academic year, with over 60 courses available in the fall semester alone. This initiative supports the national plan to enhance digital literacy and aligns with China's AI development goals to nurture talents essential for innovation and growth in emerging industries.
Chen Yan, Executive Vice Dean of the Graduate School at Fudan University, emphasized that the goal is not to create a separate AI institute but to integrate AI education across all student programs. The university aims to build a scientific intelligence innovation ecosystem by embedding AI literacy and skills requirements into the study plans for each degree program, starting from freshmen. Fudan University currently enrolls 15,303 undergraduate and 36,690 graduate students.
The initiative prepares students for the pervasive future application of AI, which is expected to impact numerous industries. Mastering AI is seen as a pathway to better growth and success for students. This effort is part of a broader action plan implemented by various universities and government departments, including the Ministry of Education, to enhance digital literacy and skills nationwide. This collaborative approach aims to develop a comprehensive system for digital competency in schools, promoting the digital economy.
Professor Xiao Yanghua, director of the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Data Science at Fudan University, highlighted the critical importance of AI in addressing major issues of human survival and development. He noted that AI's impact extends beyond tools to offer significant opportunities for reshaping traditional humanities. Integrating AI into various curriculums is thus essential to redefining education in this new era.
