To explore the dynamic design of AI general education core courses, optimisation strategies for MOOCs, and future development paths in higher education, in mid-to-late July 2024, a research team from the Graduate School and Centre for Teaching and Learning at UIC conducted an extensive research trip. Led by Prof Huang Yu, Dean of Graduate School, the team visited Fudan University, East China Normal University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Nanjing University, Nanjing University of the Arts and Southern University of Science and Technology.
Through systematic in-depth interviews and field visits to these six renowned universities, the team absorbed advanced experiences in general AI education and MOOC development while exploring new demands for course design and teaching methods in higher education in an era of rapid technological advancement.
At Fudan University and Nanjing University, the research team gained insights from the significant achievements of these two universities in the field of AI general education. Both universities have launched more than one hundred AI-integrated general education courses featuring a comprehensive curriculum system and rich content. Prof Lin Wei, Dean of the Office of Educational Administration at Fudan University, introduced the construction of "AI Courses" in detail and shared their rich experience for General Education curriculum development. Professors from Nanjing University also shared their unique perspectives on education in the era of artificial intelligence.
UIC team explores the frontiers of AI education together with representatives of Fudan University
Prof Ding Aijun (left), Assistant to the President of Nanjing University, and Prof Huang Yu (right), Dean of the Graduate School of UIC, exchange views on AI general education course construction strategies
Professors from East China Normal University and Nanjing University of the Arts focused on the cases of integrating AI with their respective disciplines, showcasing innovative practices in AI+Writing, AI+Virtual Production, AI+Animation, and AI+Film. These practices provide valuable references for UIC in future course offerings.
UIC team visits the high technology room at East China Normal University
Representatives from Nanjing University of the Arts demonstrate their students' AI-based artworks
The team also engaged with education experts from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Southern University of Science and Technology in discussions about the current state, challenges, and opportunities for AI education. They shared insights into how to create dynamic teaching models that break the boundaries between online and offline education, emphasizing flexibility, openness, inspiration and the maximisation of student potential in an era when generative AI is widely used. These discussions broadened the team’s perspectives and provided valuable references for AI-embedded course development at UIC.
Representatives from Shanghai Jiao Tong University introduce AI-related courses
UIC team with representatives from Southern University of Science and Technology in the MOOC studio
This research not only explored the cooperation between UIC and top universities in China but also provided significant reference for the development of general AI education. UIC will actively draw on the advanced experiences of these universities, integrate them with its own unique characteristics, and develop practical strategies to enhance teaching quality and research capabilities on the basis of the principle of “High Aim, Good References, UIC Style”. This will help the university adapt to the development needs of the AI era, cultivate more high-quality talent with innovative spirit and practical abilities, and contribute positively to the reform and innovation of higher education in China.
From CTL
Editor: Camelia Deng, Cecilia Yu
