Alibaba's Qianwen App launches free AI summer classes for students

Alibaba has teamed up with Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Student Innovation Center to launch a free AI summer course on its Qianwen App. The course, called 'Qianwen AI Creative Classroom,' is open to all students across China. It uses the app's AI features to teach topics like chatting, creating, and exploring, all designed for elementary school kids.

The course has different levels based on grade: younger kids learn to know and talk with AI in 'My New AI Friend'; middle-grade kids use AI for schoolwork in 'My Super Study Buddy'; older kids create their own AI projects in 'Creator of the Smart Age.' Each level focuses on learning by doing, not just theory.

Alibaba says this partnership is a fresh try to mix university resources with tech products for AI education in primary schools. The course will later go to more schools as a public service, helping spread AI learning in basic education.