K-9 Artificial Intelligence Education in Qingdao: Issues, Challenges and Suggestions

Nowadays, AI education from Kindergarten to 9 ^th grade(K-9) is in full swing in China, but many challenges exist, such as fragmented AI curricula, ineffective teaching tools, and uneven educational resources in urban and rural areas, etc. So this paper presents an in-depth study of the current status of K-9 AI education in Qingdao area through questionnaires, expert discussions, and field visits to sort out existing problems and then put forward corresponding advice and suggestions. Collected data is then analyzed from the perspectives of government, schools, teachers, students and parents, respectively. Results show that AI-related educational activities have been carried out in Qingdao area to improve students' AI literacy. But efforts are still needed to make such education more systematic, standardized, and personalized. Finally the paper made a list of recommendations corresponding to these needed efforts.