Key facts
- 60% of surveyed Hong Kong schools are using AI for teaching and administrative work.
- 20% of schools are actively exploring AI, while 40% are using it and learning implementation.
- 40% of schools are delaying AI adoption due to lack of talent, manpower, and funding.
- A separate survey found 91% of teachers and 95% of students use AI tools.
- 23% of students in that survey reported needing AI to complete assignments.
- 71% of teachers expressed concern that over-reliance on AI could hinder students' cognitive development.
A significant majority of Hong Kong schools are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations, with a recent survey indicating that 60% are utilizing the technology for both teaching and administrative tasks. The Education University of Hong Kong's findings, released on Tuesday, revealed that approximately 20% of primary and secondary schools are actively exploring AI applications, while another 40% have begun implementation but are still learning best practices from peers.
However, a substantial 40% of schools are holding back on adopting AI tools. Their reasons include a shortage of AI talent, existing manpower constraints, and limited funding. The survey, conducted between May and June, polled 1,892 individuals across 163 educational institutions, with 61% of respondents focusing on AI's teaching applications and the remainder on administrative uses.
Further insights from a separate survey by Our Hong Kong Foundation (OHKF) highlight the deep embedding of AI in classrooms, with 91% of teachers and 95% of students reporting its use. This study found that 23% of students struggle to complete homework without AI assistance, while 71% of teachers expressed concerns that over-reliance on AI could impede students' cognitive development, critical thinking, and creativity. Only a small fraction of teachers believed AI had no negative effects.
In response to these trends and concerns, Hong Kong authorities launched an AI curriculum for junior secondary students in 2023, covering AI basics and ethical implications. A module on algorithmic thinking for primary schools was also introduced. Internationally, jurisdictions like the United Kingdom and Singapore have taken steps to promote the safe and responsible use of AI in schools, including issuing guidance and developing centralized, reliable AI tools.
