Government panel to discuss AI use in education amid concerns of overreliance

A Japanese government advisory panel is set to start considering ways to appropriately and effectively utilize artificial intelligence in school education amid the continuing evolution of the new cutting-edge technology.

At a general meeting of the Central Council for Education on Friday, education minister Yohei Matsumoto asked the panel for discussions on the government’s next five-year basic education promotion program from fiscal 2028. The council plans to compile its recommendations in fiscal 2027, which begins next April.

There are growing concerns that excessive reliance on AI may reduce opportunities for students to think and make decisions on their own.

The council will consider measures to enhance students’ ability to use AI appropriately as well as how to improve the quality of education.

The basic education promotion program is set by the government under the nation’s basic law on education. The upcoming program will be the fifth of its kind.

At the meeting, Matsumoto also requested the council to discuss the compilation of a new school safety enhancement plan covering five years from fiscal 2027. Measures to ensure students’ safety are expected to be reviewed following an increase in accidents during extracurricular activities.