Hong Kong teachers to undergo 30-hour digital training amid AI push in schools

Hong Kong teachers will have to complete at least 30 hours of digital education training every three years, as authorities unveil a blueprint to boost the use of technology in schools.

As part of the initiative, primary and secondary schools will also be required to incorporate digital elements into their annual school development plans, while an innovation and technology curriculum will be rolled out for pupils.

The move came as the Curriculum Development Council released the Blueprint for Digital Education Development in Primary and Secondary Schools on Wednesday, outlining the government’s plan to further integrate artificial intelligence into the education sector.

“Digital education is vital to our country’s competitiveness and to the future of young people. We firmly believe that by building on the existing foundation of IT and STEM education, schools are well equipped to deliver this effectively,” said Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin, chairwoman of the council.

A key feature of the blueprint is the requirement for teachers to complete a minimum of 30 hours of digital education training within each three-year continuing professional development cycle, which totals 150 hours.

The training will cover areas such as AI literacy, integrating AI into subject teaching and AI leadership, and may be provided by bodies including the Education Bureau, professional organisations, school sponsoring bodies and universities.