To further advance the National Digitalisation of Education Strategy, expedite the seamless integration of emerging technologies with open education and learning, and enhance the quality and effectiveness of learning resource development and application, the Open University of China (OUC) hosted a virtual interactive learning resource demonstration and exchange event at its Wukesong Campus from 16th to 19th May 2023.

Organised by the Learning Resources Department (Digital Library), the event witnessed the participation of over 200 individuals in the onsite sessions.

Five teacher representatives from various faculties, including the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Agroforestry and Medicine (Rural Revitalisation College), and the Faculty of Foreign Languages, delivered presentations to share their insights on the construction mode, concepts, ideas, and application effects of interactive learning resources. These perspectives were drawn from their own experiences in the development process of such resources.

Leaders from relevant departments also delivered speeches on behalf of their respective departments, sharing their insights and understanding regarding virtual practical training resources and the implementation path within the university's learning network. Among those present were Shao Yunda, the dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Li Guangde, the dean of the Faculty of Agroforestry and Medicine, Zheng Jipeng, the dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Zhang Feng, the vice dean of the Faculty of Education, Wu Shuping, the deputy director of the Information Technology Department, and others. They engaged in extensive exchanges with the teachers present at the event.

The event also extended invitations to representatives from four Internet enterprises, who shared applications and showcased classic cases where virtual technologies such as knowledge mapping, digital human, and XR (Extended Reality) have been employed in education and teaching.

Three experiential areas for virtual practical training interactive learning resources were set up onsite, showcasing a total of nine virtual practical training modules invested in and developed by the OUC. Additionally, VR interactive learning resources provided by two companies were available for onsite user experience. The event attracted approximately 50 participants.

The event received high praise from the teachers, who commended the practical and actionable nature of the presentations delivered by the guest speakers. They found the shared insights to be inspirational, as they introduced new perspectives, technologies, methods, and ideas related to virtual technologies. The teachers agreed that the event provided a valuable platform for learning and exchanging ideas on the ongoing development of interactive learning resources. Furthermore, it motivated them to enhance their digital learning resource development skills and abilities.

Written by Li Mengchen, photographed by Zhuge Huanyu and Liu Shan