From North America to Southeast Asia, Chinese online education apps supported by artificial intelligence – developed by Chinese companies – have gained widespread popularity due to the increasing number of local users and the growing demand for help with homework.
The application “QuestionAI” (Ask AI) is an example of using artificial intelligence as an assistant and summarizer, providing answers and solutions to questions related to mathematics, biology, and other disciplines. According to data provider and mobile apps analytics platform “Sensor Tower,” the “QuestionAI” app has been downloaded six million times in the United States since its launch a year ago by “Tswibang,” a leading education technology company in China.
Another educational app, “Gauth,” launched by the Chinese technology company “Byte Dance” in the United States in 2019, has been downloaded 12 million times. Data from “Chimai.CN,” a mobile phone products analysis platform, showed that downloads of “Gauth” increased 14 times in three months since the beginning of this year.
Jessica Budzinski, a user of the “Gauth” platform, praised the platform for its accurate answers and detailed step-by-step solutions, as well as providing video clips covering all topics.
In addition to convenience, users also attribute the popularity of these apps to their reasonable cost, personalized approach to education, and providing direct private lessons around the clock.
The official website of the “Gauth” app indicates that the app is available for free download, offering AI-based mathematical solutions. For additional services such as multiple expert interactions, there are in-app purchases, including “Gauth Plus” membership and additional expert answer options. Subscription fees for “Gauth Plus” range from $11.99 for the first month to $99.99 for a 12-month period.
Despite being absent from school for two weeks, user “Sam Ul” was able to improve his grades back to an “A+” level with the help of “QuestionAI.” “Sam Ul” noted that the subscription cost is very low and totally worth the benefits received.
Industry experts say that Chinese technology companies are expanding their presence in international online education markets for a variety of critical factors: significant growth potential, wider user base, suitable market opportunities, and a strong readiness for global expansion.
The “ClassIn” app, developed by the Chinese company “EEO,” provides a comprehensive solution to users’ needs in the fields of learning and administration by recreating a real classroom online. The company told Xinhua News Agency that the global demand for online education opens up significant opportunities for expanding businesses and increasing revenues in foreign markets.
Felice Zhang, globalization manager at “EEO,” which has expanded its presence to include eight international markets, stated that entering foreign markets allows Chinese technology companies to access a broader and more diverse user base, exploit unique opportunities to dominate specific market segments.
Zhang explained that the competitive advantage of Chinese companies in global markets relies on their advanced technological capabilities, dynamic innovation approach, experience in their competitive domestic market, as well as their strong and scalable educational methods, enabling these companies to adapt and expand in different market sizes and needs without compromising performance or effectiveness.
However, Chinese companies still face significant challenges in expanding globally, especially regarding product localization and managing multicultural teams. This requires developing advanced strategies for international human resources management and understanding local consumer behavior.
Experts also emphasized the importance of innovation and continuous adaptation in the rapidly changing global education market.
Education experts are concerned that early engagement with artificial intelligence technologies could diminish students’ ability to think and explore, as they may become accustomed to the ease provided by AI in the learning process.Huang Zhangxin, who heads the main laboratory for intelligent education technology and its applications in Zhejiang Province in eastern China, proposed monitoring AI-supported educational devices to ensure delivering better quality education for students.
Liu Weibing, a teacher at a secondary school in Beijing, suggested that teachers and parents should encourage students to rely on themselves first when trying to solve homework problems, using artificial intelligence only for occasional assistance when needed.
Children should also be educated about the importance of intellectual property protection and the necessity of adhering to behavioral rules when referencing educational materials using AI tools.
