To comprehensively study and implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, steadily advance thematic education, explore the coordinated innovation of vocational education, higher education, and continuing education, promote the digital transformation of education, and facilitate the high-quality development of the management discipline at the Open University of China (OUC), the Management Sub-committee of the OUC's 3rd Session of the Academic Committee organised its first offline academic exchanges activity for 2023 in Kunming, Yunnan Province from 16 to 18 May.
The event encompassed a focused seminar, field research, academic lectures, and academic salons.
The Management Sub-Committee conducted a focused seminar on the "2023 Annual Work Plan and Proposals" of the Committee, the "Exploration of Coordinated Innovation in Vocational Education, Higher Education, and Continuing Education," and the "Enhancement of Teaching and Research Capabilities of Management Teachers."
Tan Mingjie, the director of the Management Sub-Committee, presented the work plan for 2023 during the meeting. She shared the key highlights from the "2023 Academic Committee Chairman's Working Conference" and encouraged all members to actively engage in the academic activities of the system. The members then shared their valuable experiences and offered suggestions based on their own research and professional backgrounds.
Regarding the "Exploring Coordinated Innovation in Vocational Education, Higher Education, and Continuing Education," the members emphasized the importance of mutual learning and knowledge sharing between vocational education, higher education, and continuing education. They highlighted the need to promote the harmonious development of degree and non-degree education, leveraging the credit bank's potential to bridge the gap between these two forms of education and achieve seamless integration.
Regarding "digitalisation-driven education in promoting professional teaching reform," the members expressed the importance of enhancing students' "digital literacy." They emphasized the need to explore appropriate teaching models and establish effective communication mechanisms. Furthermore, they highlighted the necessity of enhancing teachers' digital literacy to facilitate the integration of industry and education, vocational education with higher education, science and education, as well as the development of digital teaching materials.
Regarding "Enhancing the teaching and research capacity of management teachers," the committee members emphasized the importance of leveraging the advantages of open education and continuously enhancing their own competitiveness. They stressed the need to focus on improving teaching capabilities, innovating teaching methods, and fostering practical skills in students. It was proposed to develop action plans, establish supportive incentive systems, and encourage collaborative research within the system. Academic members were encouraged to take the lead, support the professional development of young teachers, and collectively elevate the system's level of scientific research.
Du Ruo, the deputy director of the Management Sub-Committee, delivered a concluding speech expressing her appreciation for the expert members' insightful speeches on open education. She emphasized the importance of unity among the teaching and research staff in the management disciplines of the system. Du Ruo acknowledged the challenges in achieving coordinated innovation in vocational education, higher education, and continuing education, as well as in the digitalisation of education and the enhancement of teaching and research capabilities of management teachers.
Du Ruo stressed the need for the Management Sub-Committee to thoroughly study and implement the instructions outlined in the report presented at the 20th CPC National Congress. She emphasized the committee's commitment to closely align with the annual work points of the CPC National Congress and contribute its expertise and efforts towards the high-quality development and academic capacity enhancement of the management discipline within the system. This commitment aligns with the charter and requirements of the 3rd session of the Academic Committee.
The Management Sub-committee visited Yunnan Open University for field research. The members conducted on-site research at Yunnan Seniors University and Xiaoba Community School located on Union Street in Panlong District, Kunming.
The Academic Committee also participated in a lecture on "Big Data and Artificial Intelligence." Professor Fu Xiaodong from the School of Information Engineering and Automation at Kunming University of Technology delivered the lecture, explaining cutting-edge knowledge and sharing vivid cases from six key aspects. These included the impact of network and information technology development, cognitive big data and artificial intelligence, applications and models of big data and artificial intelligence, challenges faced by big data and artificial intelligence, the national strategy for big data and artificial intelligence, and insights on implementing the big data strategy in Yunnan and other regions.
During the academic salon session organised by the OUC Business Administration Professional Teaching and Research Centre, the members had the opportunity to listen to teachers from the Shanxi, Sichuan, and Hebei branches of the Business Administration major. These teachers shared their valuable insights on practical exploration of teaching reform in Business Administration, reflections on the evolving landscape of the Business Administration major in the digital era, and innovative ideas regarding digitalisation practices and reforms in the e-commerce curriculum.
The event was filled with insightful discussions and valuable contributions from the members. They actively shared their own achievements and experiences, providing a solid foundation for the OUC's future endeavours. The discussions revolved around realising coordinated innovation in vocational education, higher education, and continuing education, promoting professional teaching reform through digital transformation in education, and enhancing the teaching and research capabilities of management discipline teachers. The event offered a reference point and a pathway for implementation going forward.
By Zhou Mingkun, Du Ruo, OUC