HK students confident on AI prompt but lag on creativity, survey finds

The survey established a baseline for youth AI literacy in Hong Kong, measuring eight dimensions. Students scored highest in ethical awareness, practical application, and human-AI collaboration (3.81 out of 5), suggesting a foundational grasp of responsible AI use. This indicates that educational efforts around basic AI conduct may be effective.

However, students' technical understanding (3.62) and AI data literacy (3.58) lagged, implying that frequent AI usage does not necessarily translate into a deeper comprehension of how the technology functions. The lowest score was in creative AI application (3.22), identifying a significant gap in students' ability to use AI for innovative purposes. This suggests that current engagement might be more consumptive than generative.

The findings led researchers to recommend integrating AI theory into curricula, strengthening critical thinking, building AI applications in schools, and increasing hands-on opportunities. These recommendations point to a need for pedagogical shifts that move beyond basic ethical guidelines and practical tool use, towards fostering deeper technical insight and creative problem-solving with AI. The focus on cross-disciplinary learning also suggests a move away from siloed academic approaches.