KEY POINTS
- Japan’s Ministry of Education emphasizes AI literacy in new guideline.
- AI integration in schools and teacher’s AI literacy encouraged.
- Concerns for personal information security are addressed.
Japan’s Ministry of Education has outlined guidelines that underscore the necessity for students to understand artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in education. The new guidelines detail how AI can be integrated into classrooms, with attention to its potential benefits and the necessary precautions required to manage associated risks. They also highlight the importance of AI literacy among teachers and recommend measures to safeguard data security, addressing public sentiments and parental concerns.
Characteristics of AI
According to the guidelines, students should grasp the nature of AI, including its advantages and potential drawbacks. These potential issues include personal information leaks and copyright infringement. The guidelines express the importance of understanding these concerns before utilizing AI in any form.
The Role of AI in Learning
These guidelines advocate for AI’s integration in English learning and group activities, aiming to enhance the depth of discussion by exploring various perspectives. In addition, the guidelines stress the importance of teachers’ AI literacy, suggesting AI-generated information be used as teaching materials to help students learn how to fact-check.
Data Security and Public Sentiments
Concerning data security, the guidelines advise against inputting personal information into AI systems. A Tokyo-based CyberOwl survey found that about 70% of parents believe regulations are necessary for the use of AI by children. However, the degree of concern varied depending on whether the parents had personal experience with AI. Specifically, around 44% of parents who have used AI expressed worry about its use by children, a figure that rose to 72.9% for those who had not used AI.
AI Companies’ Role in Improving Educational Tools
The guidelines also call on AI companies to consider enhancing their products for educational use in Japan. These enhancements include implementing personal information protection features, strengthening the filtering of harmful content, and developing AI tools explicitly designed for educational use.
Future of AI Guidelines
The ministry’s guidelines are flexible and intended to be updated based on feedback, the development of other rules related to the technology, and AI usage outcomes in schools. This dynamic nature of the guidelines allows for adaptability and progress with the evolution of AI technology and regulations.
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