Japan to expand use of generative AI in schools under new guidelines

Dec 24 (NHK) - An expert panel of Japan's education ministry has put together new draft guidelines for expanding the use of generative artificial intelligence at schools.

The new draft agreed on Friday is an updated version of the provisional guidelines the ministry published in July last year.

The provisional guidelines stressed the importance of nurturing children's ability to use generative AI.

But the ministry has been limiting AI in schools out of concerns about the impact on children's creativity and the spread of disinformation. Only some pilot schools and a few other facilities have adopted the technology on a trial basis.

The new draft guidelines state that generative AI can be beneficial depending on how it is used.

The document presents concrete examples of how students and their teachers can use AI.

The draft recommends that teachers give examples of incorrect AI-generated answers to show the limitations of the technology. It also says generative AI could be an English conversation partner for students.

On the other hand, the draft says careful consideration is needed when AI technology is used by elementary school students.

The education ministry plans to publish the new guidelines by the end of the year. It says it will offer training sessions for education boards and teachers to promote the use of AI in schools.

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