The Faculty of Foreign Languages at the Open University of China (OUC) recently organised a seminar focused on enhancing digital literacy for English instructors, along with a session dedicated to media-assisted English language learning within the framework of a virtual teaching and research office aimed at higher education institutions.
The event was virtually attended by a total of 300 participants, including English instructors from various OUC branches, schools, and study centres, as well as relevant experts, scholars, and teachers from associated higher education institutions. All members of the OUC Faculty of Foreign Languages (referred to as the Faculty) were present at the onsite venue for the event.
Zheng Jipeng, dean of the Faculty, stated that digitalisation, as a strategic state objective of China, has become a key direction and guiding force in the work of the Ministry of Education and the OUC. In response to this, the Faculty has adopted a range of intelligent teaching methodologies to advance the digitalisation of teaching. English instructors within the OUC system should actively engage with this initiative by enhancing their digital literacy, innovating their teaching and tutoring models, transforming their roles, and bolstering their skills in data acquisition and analysis. The aim is to ensure that the digitalisation of teaching is effectively realised from the perspective of the educators.
Xiong Ying, vice dean of the Faculty, reviewed the latest progress and achievements in the field of AI-empowered English smart teaching reform at OUC. She expressed her hope that teachers would redouble their efforts to enhance literacy in both open and distance education and in teaching and research to better serve the development of a digital university. She anticipated that the sessions conducted by the virtual teaching and research office would continuously foster in-depth cooperation between the open-university system and other higher education institutions in teaching and research areas.
Participants benefited from the engaging and informative expert lectures that bridged theory and practical application. Associate Professor Li Shuang of the Research Centre for Distance Education at Beijing Normal University delved into the theory and practice of online learning services. She approached the topic from three angles: the demand for and positioning of online learning services, the principles underlying these services, and the roles and functions they fulfill. She also introduced the national vocational skill standard grade framework for online learning service professionals. Professor Zhu Xiaochuan from Chongqing University of Education illuminated the significant shifts in teachers' roles amidst the digitalisation of education. He discussed the implications, meaning, and mechanisms of this transformation, as well as the pathways teachers can follow to adapt successfully. Professor Xiao Junhong from Shantou Open University examined the strengths and weaknesses of foreign language teachers in the context of distance and open education. In this digital age, she advocated for teachers to leverage their unique advantages, focusing on the development of theoretical knowledge, critical thinking, humanisation, and professionalism to cultivate a renewed self-image that exudes confidence, self-esteem, and dignity. Finally, Professor He Gaoda from Guangdong Baiyun University introduced the tools and methods for digitally transforming foreign language teaching. In light of digital transformation, he emphasised that teachers should continually enhance their digital awareness and literacy to better manage future uncertainties and relentlessly pursue the modernisation of Chinese-style foreign language teaching.
The event also included a review and discussion session, during which Professor Zeng Jiansong from the School of Foreign Studies at Hunan University of Science and Technology, along with Vice Dean Xiong Ying and Associate Professor Han Yanhui from the Faculty, provided their insights on the lectures. In the discussion segment, English teachers from within the system engaged with the experts on topics such as teacher development, teaching reform, and cutting-edge issues. Faculty members Zhang Yuguang, Hu Lanxi, Li Chengcheng, and Meng Ruiling served as moderators for the lectures.
This event positively impacts the enhancement of English teaching standards within open education, bolsters the professional growth of English teachers across the various regions within the school's operational framework, and contributes to the formation of a high-quality English teaching cohort.
By OUC