A study on the current development of Artificial Intelligence in education industry in China

This article first explained the definition of AI in education (AIEd) and reported findings regarding the current development of AIEd industry in the Chinese context. The research design is a context-specific case study using the supply and demand theoretical framework. From a demand-side perspective, the author made an in-depth analysis of the specific AI applications employed in different educational scenarios, including the automated speaking assessment system, the content-based image retrieval system, adaptive learning system, AI-supported classrooms, and AI-assisted campus safety system. For the supply analysis of the AIEd industry, this article summarized key AIEd industry chains and technologies currently widely used in China, obtaining the industry market scale through data collected from different sources. In addition, the iFLYTEK company, as a typical enterprise in the AIEd industry, was taken as a medium to conduct a case analysis. The employment of various AI applications in smart classrooms, smart exams, and smart terminals were comprehensively discussed. In a nutshell, this article discussed the development status and future trends of Chinese AIEd industry, with an aim to offer suggestions and implications for education practitioners.