In Depth: Are AI-Powered Learning Gadgets Ready to Be at the Head of the Class?

The tablets have been a hit with parents in the wake of China’s ban on after-school tutoring, but the devices won’t replace the teacher just yet

“I’ve been ripped off countless times!” said Qin Xin, who has lost count of how many educational electronic gadgets he has bought his child.

From point-and-read pens to electronic dictionaries and tutor machines that scan and answer questions, the excitement always fades when the device proves unsuitable or ineffective over time, he said.

Recently, a new gadget caught Qin’s eye — an AI-powered learning tablet. His child’s exam scores had improved after using one at a neighbor’s house.

Qin is one of a growing number of Chinese parents eager to support their children’s academic success but lacking the time or expertise to teach them themselves. This has fueled a boom in education hardware, especially after regulators banned after-school tutoring companies in 2021, as part of the government’s “double reduction” policy, which was an attempt to cut the homework burden on youngsters.