Education chief argues students must master technology, not be disconnected from it
Christine Choi says banning devices would hinder learning as Hong Kong rolls out blueprint to integrate AI and digital tools in schools
As Hong Kong marks the 29th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule on July 1, the South China Morning Post talks to the city’s senior officials about the administration’s achievements so far and what may lie ahead.
Hong Kong students should not be barred from using technology and electronic devices simply because they do not know how to use them responsibly, the city’s education minister has said, arguing that the next generation must learn to navigate the digital era.
Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin stressed that electronic devices and technology would never replace teachers, noting that the human mind remained central to education, while computers played a strictly supporting role.
“We strongly emphasise that students must learn to use [technology] effectively, and it will not replace independent learning. We need to teach students how to use these tools properly instead of banning them,” she said.
“If we ban the use of technology at schools, what will happen when students are back home after school?
“Looking ahead, if we simply forbid students from using technology just because they do not know how to handle it yet, they will never learn, and they must know how to use it because they will be living in a digital future.”