This fall semester, introducing artificial intelligence literacy courses has become a standardized requirement for primary and secondary education across Jiangsu Province. In response, schools in Sheyang County, Yancheng, have integrated AI education into their everyday teaching through engaging activities, hands-on practice, and ethics discussions. These efforts are designed to bring students closer to the wonders of technology and strengthen their overall innovation capabilities.

At Jiangsu Sheyang High School, an AI class on building simulated robots and programming is underway. The teacher connects the lesson to real-life AI applications, using interactive segments like AI-powered creative drawing, simulated smart interactions, and image recognition exercises to explain foundational principles, development history, and practical uses. This approach helps students grasp the appeal of artificial intelligence in a direct way. Student Lu Xiaoyi from Class 1, Grade 2, noted, "Previously, robots were built with physical parts, which was costly. In this class, we use a virtual building method that is much easier to get started with."

At the high school level, these literacy courses focus on cultivating an understanding of technology, covering topics such as technical principles, everyday applications, and ethical standards. Teacher Sun Yadong explained, "We simulate smart driving through city streets, guiding students from designing the smart car to building the program for autonomous driving in a realistic setting. Judging by the last few weeks, the students are highly engaged. They are beginning to realize that AI is not an inaccessible concept, but a tool we can use in the future."

Ji Shaohua, director of the Information Technology Department, emphasized the school's commitment, stating, "Offering this course is a critical step in enhancing our students' technological literacy. We have hired dedicated teachers and upgraded our computer lab equipment to ensure every student gets practical experience. Moving forward, we will also use student clubs and science festivals to organize AI innovation activities, extending the curriculum beyond the classroom to truly cultivate creative talent ready for the future."

Sheyang Haidu Middle School, meanwhile, is focusing on progressive content for its students. The curriculum covers introductory AI experiences, hands-on image recognition work, and drone principles and demonstrations, using an inquiry-based teaching style. Student Wang Zhemiao shared his enthusiasm, saying, "AI class is very different from other subjects. We not only learn how image recognition works, but we also get to observe drones up close and learn how to operate them. There are many chances for hands-on work. I've learned advanced tech knowledge but also that technology should be used for the right purposes."

The school’s approach combines promoting science knowledge and practical skills with an emphasis on technological ethics. It guides students to view AI critically and to use intelligent technologies in a correct and compliant manner. Vice Principal Zhu Haiping said, "We are using the new semester as a chance to regularly conduct AI literacy teaching. The goal is for students to learn basic AI knowledge and understand the bottom line of tech ethics, so they can understand AI, use it well, and apply it responsibly."

In elementary schools across Sheyang, AI literacy classes are tailored to be relatable for younger students. Using a theme like "AI in Our Daily Lives," lessons feature fun interactions, physical demonstrations, and simple experiments for early-stage science enlightenment. In one lesson, a teacher uses devices like robot vacuums to help students plan paths and experience the basic uses of smart sensing and recognition. Student Wang Zixuan expressed her excitement, "AI class is so fun. I learned that robot vacuums, smart speakers, and parking lot license plate recognition all use AI. Now I'm really interested in science and want to learn more practical AI knowledge."

Recognizing the age group's needs, the schools avoid complex theories, preferring an experiential and game-based learning style. They utilize high-quality provincial digital resources to make technical knowledge simple, engaging, and fun, ensuring that AI science education becomes a regular part of the classroom. Hu Amei, vice principal of Sheyang County Primary School, mentioned, "We will continue to make our AI classes fresh and dynamic, letting children get to know AI up close, inspiring a love for technology and innovation, and planting the seeds of scientific curiosity in their minds."