Photo: VCG

Partnering with intelligent training "simulated humans" to learn first aid techniques, activating the simulation driving platform to conduct a "high-speed train," practicing vegetable cultivation in the "smart classroom"... During the 2024 World Digital Education Conference (WDEC), which concluded in Shanghai on Wednesday, the Exhibition on the Future of Digital and Smart Education showcased China's development of digital education to international guests through a series of advanced digital equipment, sharing China's experiences with the world. 

Through the conference, it becomes evident that China is not merely embracing digital education, but is leading the charge in leveraging technology to create a more inclusive, engaging and transformative learning experience for students of all ages. 

The dialogue and collaboration among global participants reinforce the shared vision of harnessing technology for the betterment of education on a global scale.

Visitors observe the tunnel-boring simulation system at the WDEC Photo: Courtesy of the Ministry of Education

 Transforming learning approaches 

At the one-site spot of the exhibition, the Global Times found that innovative practices such as artificial intelligence (AI) personalized teaching systems and applications of digital technologies have entered classrooms, profoundly changing education. 

Among the highlights was an intelligent training "simulated human" designed for emergency response training, equipped with a 21.5-inch touch display, cantilever machine and rechargeable batteries. 

Commentator Suo Cheng told the Global Times that this device enables students to learn about cardiopulmonary resuscitation, airway obstruction, trauma care and more online. 

The design, featuring a biomechanical arm with 180-degree freedom of movement, facilitates hands-on emergency response training. 

The early onset nature and high prevalence of myopia among Chinese children and adolescents have become a prominent issue affecting their health and overall development. 

According to data from the National Health Commission, in 2020, the overall myopia rate among children and adolescents in China was 52.7 percent. To tackle the issue, some schools have employed naked-eye 3D technology so that students can not only deepen their understanding of eye-related knowledge, but also combine it with visual training. 

Utilizing an AI-powered human-machine collaborative personalized teaching system helps alleviate eye fatigue by stimulating eye movements, contributing to effective myopia prevention measures.

Staff members told the Global Times that these technological applications are already being implemented nationwide and have achieved positive results. Clearly, innovative practices such as digital technology application scenarios have made their way into Chinese schools.

In a related development, China's National Academy of Educational Sciences released the Global Digital Education Development Index on Wednesday during the event, evaluating the overall state of digital education worldwide.

Over the last three years, China has climbed from the 24th to 9th position in the index rankings, indicating significant progress in building digital resources, enhancing the digital capabilities of both teachers and students, and establishing robust digital education systems, according to the academy. This achievement underscores China's commitment to advancing digital education on a global scale.

Smart suitcases for intelligent manufacturing learning Photo: Courtesy of the Ministry of Education

 Benefiting lifelong learning

Digital education is not only serving the younger generation but has also gained significant popularity among senior citizens.

At the event, Wu Yan, a deputy minister of education of China, introduced the country's journey in promoting a learning-oriented society as a national strategic initiative. 

Wu pointed out that China is actively building the digital infrastructure for the development of a learning-oriented society. 

The country is implementing a strategy for the digitization of education, establishing the national Smart Education Platform, and creating the world's largest educational resource repository. The national platform for elderly education public services has launched 436,000 courses, serving 56.4 million people.

One of the senior representatives, Lan Changyan from North China's Tianjin Municipality, after retirement, has steadfastly participated in community learning for two decades. Not only has she fulfilled her learning aspirations, but she has also enriched her post-retirement life.

Media sources reported that there are more than 1,300 senior citizens like Lan in China, inspiring nearly 400 million people to embrace lifelong learning. It has turned learning into a way of life; a daily habit.

One of the senior representatives, Lan Changyan from North China's Tianjin Municipality, after retirement, has steadfastly participated in community learning for two decades. Not only has she fulfilled her learning aspirations, but she has also enriched her post-retirement life.

Media sources reported that there are more than 1,300 senior citizens like Lan in China, inspiring nearly 400 million people to embrace lifelong learning. It has turned learning into a way of life; a daily habit.

Isabell Kempf, Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, expressed her fascination with the global trend toward integrating lifelong learning into education systems.

"It's really interesting to see that lifelong learning is becoming a priority for all countries in their education systems. It's not just for students or children anymore," Kempf told the Global Times, emphasizing the broadening scope of education.

She highlighted a growing consensus that adults and older individuals also have a right to continuous learning, a sentiment echoed not only by the Chinese but also by participants from other nations.

"In Shanghai, it's fashionable for many to attend evening classes and acquire new skills," she noted, emphasizing that relying solely on digital learning can lead to a sense of isolation. 

Kempf stressed the need to strike a balance, combining the accessibility of digital learning with opportunities for face-to-face interactions, fostering social gatherings around educational pursuits.

"For me, education is an opportunity to learn social skills, and you don't learn that just by being in front of a computer. It's something you have to learn together," she added.