AI-enabled tuition ushers in the 'intelligent age'

Futuristic school

Beijing National Day School is arguably the most futuristic middle school in China. The 67-year-old institution has no head teachers and no set classrooms.

It also offers different schedules for every one of its 4,500 students, who can choose from more than 400 different classes.

What turns this administrative nightmare into an enticing reality is the power of AI, which is woven into the very fabric of the school, from grading papers to delivering packages to personalizing class schedules, Li Xigui, the principal, told Xinhua News Agency.

"We want AI technologies to be our guiding light, and to train a new generation of children who can collaborate and compete with robots in the future," he said.

"Schools must provide more opportunities for students to experience transformative technologies. Only then will they be able to tackle the challenges of the 'Intelligent Age'."

A futuristic vibe permeates the entire campus. One can witness Xiaoyi, a teaching aid program, answer students' questions, while Xiaohuang, a self-driving cart, delivers packages to teachers, and Wukong, a service robot, attends to visitors' needs.

AI has also been integrated into 36 classes, from classical Chinese literature to biology. Li said the classes are meant to stoke the students' curiosity and familiarize them with AI technologies and equipment.

The school also provides intermediate classes on programming languages and web and app design, and advanced lessons in robotics and self-driving technology.

Song Yan, director of the school's information center, said there are plans to have 30 percent of students take part in AI-related courses.

"We want our students and teachers to have ample time to freely explore and innovate with AI," he said.

Ma Yue, a sophomore, said he enjoys the freedom and personalized classes the school provides: "The teachers are very supportive and often ask us to be inquisitive. They are like our friends."