Taipei: Students should learn not only how to use artificial intelligence (AI), but also how to use it responsibly and think independently, Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao said on Monday.

According to Focus Taiwan, Cheng stated in an interview that AI has made access to knowledge faster and easier than ever before, fundamentally changing how students learn. He emphasized that with knowledge being readily accessible, education should now focus more on intelligence-defined as the ability to solve problems, make judgments, and apply knowledge-rather than merely acquiring information.

Cheng urged students to "actively seek food," meaning they should take the initiative to explore, ask questions, and find resources instead of passively waiting for teachers to provide answers. He noted that today's students, being "digital natives," are already familiar with computers, smartphones, and other digital tools. However, the critical issue is whether they can use these tools responsibly.

Students need to learn how to assess information, recognize the risks of AI-generated misinformation and errors, and understand the ethical and moral issues involved in using the technology, Cheng said. As AI makes knowledge increasingly accessible, he added that teachers should focus on helping students develop their own judgment rather than simply providing information that AI can readily generate.

Cheng also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary learning and teamwork, asserting that no individual can master every field of knowledge in the AI era. He pointed to the Education Ministry's University Social Responsibility program as an example of this approach. The program encourages students and faculty to apply academic knowledge to real-world problems, promoting learning through practical experience and cross-disciplinary collaboration, which will remain an essential part of university education.