In the ever-evolving landscape of education technology, 2024 marked a significant turning point with the emergence of DeepSeek as a dominating force. Rather than remaining tucked away in a niche area of the AI application market, education has asserted itself as a formidable contender. This shift has been vividly illustrated by the noticeable increase in the number of educational applications utilizing large AI models, as they now sit comfortably among the top-grossing apps alongside tools for personal assistance, emotional companionship, and creativity.
The growing importance of educational applications has been underscored by the fact that numerous apps for essay grading and language conversations have broken into the top tier of third-party AI products. Despite the influx of educational large models in the market, the number of native applications specifically tailored for education has remained modest—a stark contrast to the myriad offerings targeting the consumer market, which continue to underperform.
DeepSeek's incorporation into educational content creators like Xueersi, Zuoyebang, and Youdao has significantly impacted the educational landscape. With its exceptional capabilities in mathematics and reasoning, DeepSeek has effectively halved operational costs. This advancement positions the platform at the forefront of a potential renaissance in educational technology, where rapid iterations of native applications are now emerging.
The rise of these educational AI products suggests a shift in mission: moving beyond merely providing answers to equipping students with the ability to ask the right questions. If this experimental approach proves fruitful, it could lead to a new era in educational tools, supplanting older generations of applications.
However, the quick adoption of DeepSeek also brings challenges. It has clearly expanded the technical divide among educational companies, with many following suit rather than leading the charge. Only a handful of organizations, including the aforementioned names, are taking significant strides toward adopting native applications powered by large AI models. Most others have cautiously embraced these new technologies, creating a stark dichotomy within the educational landscape.
As 2024 unfolded, various studies indicated a burgeoning demand for AI-assisted learning tools among graduate students. A survey conducted by Peking University revealed that only 6% of master's degree students and 8.9% of doctorate students had previously used AI-generated content (AIGC) tools for writing assistance, highlighting an astonishingly low adoption rate. Despite this, the primary uses for AIGC tools among graduate students included tasks such as writing course papers, gathering research materials, and refining translations—a clear indication of the potential for further growth.
Conversely, data from the McKinsey Research Institute showed that nearly all participants in a recent study had engaged with AIGC technologies in some capacity, hinting at a growing trend. Of the 3,297 respondents surveyed, a mere 1% claimed never to have used such tools. The evidence indicates strong penetration of large-model applications within the academic community, spurred on by the availability of native applications.
Notable new entrants like Doubao, Kimi, and other intelligent assistants have captivated users, with monthly active users exceeding ten million for some. Doubao, for instance, has surpassed 70 million active users—testament to the growing acceptance and reliance on these AI applications. Other innovative educational applications, including Guangsu Writing and Talk AI, have garnered significant user engagement in their respective realms, with Guangsu Writing establishing itself as a leading tool for essay correction and peer-to-peer dialogue.
Glancing at the broader picture, prominent education companies have made significant investments in developing tools that leverage DeepSeek. Underlining this trend, the CEO of Youdao highlighted the suitability of large models within language-learning contexts, noting their innate strengths in multi-language interactions. But while advancements are being made in areas like essay correction and language conversation, the performance of applications aimed at answering questions in mathematical and scientific domains has not met initial expectations.
Despite expectations for growth in response to DeepSeek’s advancements, educational technology companies face a demanding landscape. A key challenge remains the slow progress in developing precise and accurate responses for science-related questions—a critical element for educational success. Traditional methods involved utilizing question bank applications to meet demand, where real-time answers failed to alleviate user expectations.
Yet, the combination of DeepSeek and educational AI models has opened doors for innovations in educational technology that were previously thought impossible. With improvements in accuracy close to human-level comprehension, confidence in these educational tools is growing. For instance, applications aimed at subject-specific questions across different education levels have successfully utilized novel methods to ensure that explanations are age-appropriate and contextually meaningful.
The landscape of educational products is undergoing a transformation, where tools equipped with AI are increasingly poised to challenge traditional methods. Companies such as Xueersi and Yuanfudao have begun creating platforms that harness the power of DeepSeek, leading to the launch of all-subject query applications that adapt to various learning levels. This pivot toward an AI-driven approach deepens the intersection of technology and education.
Yet, questions loom regarding the fate of traditional question bank applications in this competitive landscape. Market needs suggest that both types of products—question banks and AI-driven answering solutions—will coexist, each serving unique user requirements. The previously unchallenged question bank applications, with their extensive databases, are now juxtaposed against real-time, interactive alternatives that offer dynamic learning experiences akin to having a personal tutor.
This transformative shift also highlights the increasing urgency for educational technology companies to adapt their strategies, with many fighting to keep pace with innovations brought forth by DeepSeek. As the demand for advanced educational models surges, firms must weigh their options: whether to invest heavily in AI technologies or continue with traditional methodologies.
With the inevitability of a new wave of educational AI tools, the coming years promise to redefine the educational sector entirely. Curriculums may be reshaped to accommodate these innovations, integrating AI seamlessly within classroom settings, creating a more holistic learning experience for students. As this wave gathers momentum, traditional education companies will likely evolve into tech-driven entities, drawing parallels to how digital disruption has transformed other industries.
The surge of growth seen in the realm of educational AI models, particularly those associated with DeepSeek, necessitates decision-making and strategic planning among educational institutions. While the allure of technological enhancements is undeniable, the financial commitments and infrastructural adaptations required to implement these transformative tools remain a hefty responsibility.
As 2025 begins, the need for a decisive shift in mindset among educational companies is evident. The immediate focus falls on whether to endorse this new wave of AI integration or to retreat into conventional approaches—balancing innovation with financial viability may very well chart their path forward.