State of the World from NPR

China embraces A.I. in the classroom

7 snips
Jan 30, 2026
John Riewicz, NPR correspondent in Beijing, reports on China making AI a required part of school curricula. He highlights student robotics tied to space ambitions. He explores AI as a creative tool in classrooms. He outlines Beijing’s grade-by-grade AI learning goals and the national competitiveness rationale. He covers parents weighing risks, screen time, and future job readiness.
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ANECDOTE

Kid Builds Mars-Ready Robot

  • John Riewicz describes 11-year-old Li Zichen programming a wheeled robot that lifts and moves objects for class projects.
  • Zichen connects his robot work to Chinese rover missions, arguing rovers need AI to act independently due to communication delays.
ANECDOTE

AI As A Creative Paintbrush

  • John Riewicz profiles Song Haoyue using AI as a creative tool to design a poster about a mythical bird.
  • The class treats AI as a paintbrush that inspires creative school projects.
INSIGHT

AI Taught As National Priority

  • The Ministry of Education has integrated AI into primary and secondary curricula with grade-specific goals.
  • China aims to build a talent pool and become a global AI leader within four years, tying AI to national competitiveness.
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