The 2024 World Digital Education Conference in Shanghai brings together 800 participants from 70 countries, including 20 education ministers, to address the challenges and opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence in global learning and teaching. The conference focuses on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance education and delves into the ethical considerations surrounding AI in the education sector. Lu Sirui provides insights into the event's goals and discussions.
Camelia Ntoutoume Leclercq, the Minister of Education of Gabon, emphasizes the significance of attending the conference, highlighting Gabon's keen interest in digital education. She expresses gratitude for the existing collaboration with China in advancing digital education in Gabon and expresses hope for continued support. Colin Bailey, the President of Queen Mary University of London, discusses a collaborative approach that combines the strengths of Chinese and UK education. He aims to merge the best practices from both systems, creating a distinctive educational experience where students benefit from the synergy of these two educational approaches.
As part of the conference, China presented reports on the global status of digital education and its collaborative efforts with other nations. The inauguration of the World Digital Education Alliance took place during the conference, aiming to enhance cooperation and involving leading Chinese universities, as well as counterparts from Arab and Southeast Asian nations. Concurrent sessions addressed ethical concerns related to technology in education. Li Yongzhi, President of the National Institute of Educational Sciences, stressed the potential drawbacks of outright prohibiting technologies like AI in education due to associated risks. He advocated for a more nuanced approach, recognizing the widespread use of such technologies in various industries. Li proposed improving regulations and providing teacher training as a means to responsibly integrate technology into education, acknowledging the importance of preparing students for the demands of contemporary society.
