Artificial Intelligence Education – Exploring New Paths
College of Future Education × Jinfeng Primary School
On December 12, 2023, the Center for Intelligent Connected Education of the College of Future Education at Beijing Normal University teamed up with Jinfeng Primary School in the High-Tech Zone of Zhuhai City to jointly explore new approaches to artificial intelligence (AI) education practices.
Prof. Yuan Li, Director of the Center for Intelligent Connected Education, Prof. Tore Hoel, and four other experts were invited to Jinfeng Primary School for in-depth exchanges and discussions with Principal Wang Xingang, Party Secretary Wang Yan, and key faculty members. Their discussions delved into topics such as innovation in AI education research and practice and the construction of an intelligent education community.
Under the enthusiastic reception of Principal Wang Xingang and Party Secretary Wang Yan, the members of the center’s team gained a thorough understanding of the school’s hardware facilities and cultural atmosphere. From the photo wall showcasing students' talents to the photography exhibition documenting the creative works of teachers and students as well as the school’s development process, every detail reflected a relentless pursuit of quality education. Notably, teacher Huang Zhen introduced the school’s international study programs and its collaboration framework with basic education institutions in Macau, aimed at broadening students' global perspectives and fostering their global thinking abilities. Teacher Dan Dan further demonstrated innovative teaching spaces, including the art classroom "Colorful Island," the science classroom "Gravity LAB," and the information literacy classroom "Future House," all of which exemplify Jinfeng Primary School’s ingenuity and innovation in education.
During the symposium, Professor Yuan Li elaborated on the guiding philosophy and strategic objectives of the Intelligent Connected Education Center, housed within the College of Future Education at Beijing Normal University. She highlighted that the center’s research team is distinguished by its interdisciplinary expertise, international outlook, and diverse academic backgrounds. The team's research spans a wide range of disciplines, including educational technology, mathematical modeling, psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy.
Currently, the center is engaged in multiple cutting-edge international collaborations with leading institutions, such as the University of Cambridge, the British National Center for Education Technology and Standards, and the University of Edinburgh. Under the framework of the National High-Level Talent Introduction Program, the center has successfully hosted the International Conference on Future Intelligent Education, featuring lectures and workshops delivered by prominent scholars and researchers in the educational technology domain.
Moreover, the center has actively participated in initiatives such as the "Digital Learning Week" teaching activities and the development of "Smart Education" micro-courses. These efforts provide students and educators with extensive resources to enhance their understanding of global advancements in artificial intelligence education.
Principal Wang Xingang expressed his high regard for the idea of co-constructing a practice-based community for AI education with the Center for Intelligent Connected Education. He looked forward to applying AI technology to address real-world challenges in teaching and school management, thereby enhancing teacher professional development and the overall competitiveness of the school. Both teams ultimately decided to jointly formulate a practice-community construction plan, laying a solid foundation for exploratory research and teaching innovation in intelligent education.
This collaboration is not only an initial exploration into the establishment of a practice-based community for intelligent education but also marks deeper integration between the two sides in the field of intelligent education. The Center for Intelligent Connected Education will adhere to its high-level and international educational philosophy, leverage Zhuhai as a base to radiate influence across the Greater Bay Area, and continue to explore the application of AI in solving practical challenges in China’s education system. Together with Jinfeng Primary School, it will embark on a new chapter in intelligent education, contributing to the innovative development of education in China.