Thirty years ago, a computer tutorial promotion was launched for children in a bid to equip them for the coming era. Today, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the need for computer education at a younger age is growing.

At present, programming has been set as a basic course among primary and middle schools in 20 countries. In China, a plan for AI development was established in 2017, which requires a gradual popularization of programming in schools. It is believed that programming can also help students foster their ability of logical thinking and innovation through analysis, design and optimization.

The popularity of programming has led a surge in the tuition industry. Up to October 2018, the market size of the industry reached nearly 4 billion yuan ($600 million), with nearly 1.55 million users. However, the industry also lacks a unified standard and evaluation system.

The Ministry of Education has implemented several policies to purify market environment such as special regulations regarding after-school training institutions. While a health growth of the industry also requires concerted efforts by other relevant administrations at all levels.

(This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in People's Daily on April 23)