This week in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, the 2025 World Digital Education Conference showcased how artificial intelligence is changing classrooms across China. At Shenlong Primary School’s Hupan Campus, fifth and sixth graders used virtual reality headsets to explore Mars. They designed rescue vehicles using AI tools and made custom logos with 3D printing. This hands-on lesson attracted many visitors and showed China’s push toward modernizing education with digital technology.
Han Jin, principal of Shenlong Primary School Education Group, described this as a glimpse into the future classroom. Students created Mars rescue vehicles using AI software and brought their ideas to life with 3D printers. The conference theme, “Education Development and Transformation: The Era of Intelligence,” brought together educators, government officials, and experts from around the world. They visited schools and universities across Wuhan to see how digital tools are shaping China’s education system.
Athanasius Chan, a principal from Macao, noted that introducing science and technology early helps develop innovative thinking. At Hubei Open University, older students learned to operate drones in a virtual simulation. The drones flew over virtual wheat fields, showing how digital technology can bridge educational gaps across ages.
Participants like 61-year-old Shi Li said digital education has made a real difference in their lives. Jalal Khan, a Pakistani education consultant visiting China for the first time, was impressed by the technology at Hubei Open University. He said the university’s advanced digital tools help students of all ages and backgrounds access quality education.
During the conference, China released a White Paper on Smart Education and launched its National Strategic Action on Digital Education 2.0. The white paper said 2025 is the first year of smart education. AI is changing teaching, content, and management, creating a chance to build a future-ready education system.
China’s Ministry of Education said it built the world’s largest digital education platform for primary and secondary schools. The Smart Education of China platform offers over 110,000 resources for many subjects and grade levels. It also has a special AI Education section with tools like DeepSeek. Nine provinces are testing pilot programs. The platform has 160 million users and 50 million visits daily.
Hubei province leads with its smart education platform serving over 11 million teachers and students. Shanghai offers basic AI courses for fourth and seventh graders weekly. High school students can take elective AI courses. In Quanzhou, Fujian Province, digital tools help reduce the education gap between urban and rural areas. Top teachers deliver live lessons to rural schools. Since 2021, this program has reached all counties and districts, offering nearly 39,000 classes to about 253,000 teachers and students.
Experts warn that while AI brings many benefits to education, it also poses challenges. Monitoring student progress and academic honesty can become harder. However, AI also offers a rich source of knowledge and can inspire future researchers and students.
China is working to ensure educational integrity in the AI era. The country aims to create a secure, ethical framework to prevent misuse, ensure transparency, and keep human needs at the center. The changes digital education brings will grow rapidly. Moving forward with innovation can help build a smarter and more inclusive future for young people worldwide.
The World Digital Education Conference highlighted the important role AI is playing in schools and universities. From Mars rescue missions in virtual reality to drone simulations for seniors, digital tools are transforming learning for all ages. China’s efforts to create national digital education strategies and platforms aim to provide equal access to quality education everywhere.
