Global experts gather in Shanghai to explore education in age of AI

The fifth Global Education Deans' Forum commenced at East China Normal University in Shanghai on Friday, bringing together deans from educational institutions worldwide to delve into the theme of "Education and Educational Studies in the Age of Intelligence". This forum sparked a thought-provoking exchange of ideas and wisdom, igniting a brainstorming session among academic leaders. The forum was jointly initiated by East China Normal University and the University of Kansas in 2018.

With over 50 deans from 32 universities and international organizations across five continents in attendance, the forum aimed to learn, lead and take action, focusing on critical issues in the field of education. Through thematic discussions and specialized workshops, participants shared experiences, pooled their expertise, engaged in deep interactions, and established collaborations. The goal was to find effective solutions to educational challenges from a global perspective, offering valuable insights and inspiration for educational reforms worldwide to advance global education's continuous development and progress.

In his opening address, President Qian Xuhong of ECNU underscored the pivotal role of education as the engine of social progress, shaping individual futures while influencing societal structures and national development directions. He expressed optimism that the discussions and exchanges during the forum would provide fresh insights and guidance for the development of education in the age of intelligence.

Professor Yuan Zhenguo, the initiator of GEDF and head of the Education Department at ECNU, along with Professor Rick Ginsberg, the dean of the School of Education at the University of Kansas, delivered keynote speeches.

Yuan's presentation on the reconstruction of educational studies in the era of big science emphasized interdisciplinary fusion, organized research and the significance of artificial intelligence in empowering educational advancements. Ginsberg reflected on GEDF's journey since 2018 and proposed various avenues for future collaborations, urging educational leaders to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence.

During the forum, participants engaged in discussions on the application of artificial intelligence in education, teacher education, school education transformation, and other pertinent topics. International education deans shared their respective countries' experiences and viewpoints, offering insights into the future development of the education sector. Real-time analysis and summaries provided by AI tools highlighted key issues in the education domain, offering new perspectives and insights for educational reforms in the age of intelligence.