AI study rooms transform learning, raising concerns

After school on Friday, a 12-year-old student surnamed Zhang arrived at an artificial intelligence study room in Zhengzhou, Henan province, aiming to use the new mode of learning to enhance her academic performance.

"It's quiet here, the study environment is good and the teachers' guidance is invaluable in reinforcing my understanding," she said.

The AI study rooms are equipped with intelligent teaching tools featuring AI algorithms and sophisticated models that adjust the difficulty of questions based on student responses. The tools can accurately target and address students' weaknesses, according to a report by Science and Technology Daily on Dec 19.

In the AI study room visited by Zhang, multiple learning machines are available for self-study, each equipped with AI-driven educational software.

"The primary advantage of these learning machines lies in their AI capabilities, which enable precise identification of students' weaknesses and tailored support to bridge knowledge gaps," said Cheng Lele, a supervising teacher at another AI study room in Zhengzhou.

Most AI smart study rooms in the city are overseen by teachers like Cheng, who said they mainly focus on tutoring students, providing feedback to parents and devising study plans to foster independent learning habits and skills acquisition in students.

"In AI study rooms, students not only engage in online learning and problem-solving but also benefit from the direct guidance provided by supervising teachers like us," Cheng said.

Instruction centers on exam content, such as the junior high school and high school entrance exams. "Students can promptly seek assistance in areas they find challenging, and we can offer guidance based on their online responses," Cheng added.

With the integration of AI in the education sector, AI study rooms are increasingly popular in cities across the country, including Shijiazhuang in Hebei province and Beijing. The facilities appeal to parents because they precisely identify weaknesses, offer a personalized learning experience and promote independent study habits.

"My child had previously taken online courses and attended offline classes, but the outcomes were unsatisfactory," a mother surnamed Wang said.

Wang said that her child's study habits have improved since using the AI study room, and she can also regularly monitor updates on the child's progress on her phone.

While AI study rooms offer a novel approach to learning and have garnered favor from some parents, others caution that it's important to remain rational and not excessively rely on them or blindly follow trends.

Jia Lijuan, a veteran teacher at Henan Experimental Primary School, advised against overdependence on AI study rooms and machines.

"Students also require diverse practices and critical thinking skills. In AI study rooms, the focus is often on precise problem-solving, which potentially limits the enhancement of students' overall abilities," Jia said.