On 1 April 2023, a special seminar was held by the virtual teaching and research office on “Computer Assisted English Language Learning” in response to proposals outlined in the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
It was presided over by team leader Mr. Han Yanhui under the theme: “Summary of the Operation of the ‘Computer Assisted English Language Learning’MOOC and Course Development”. The aim of the gathering was to promote the “digitalisation of education and the building of a society and country of learning where lifelong learning is pursued by all,” which is a goal established in the National Congress report. It also responded to calls from the Ministry of Education, which is pushing efforts to build virtual-teaching research to advance the construction of a digital university at the Open University of China (OUC).
The teaching team of the ‘Computer Assisted English Language Learning’MOOC summarised the course across five dimensions: current conditions, a description of its processes, the features and characteristics of the course, its broader significance, and prospects for the future. Achievements were recognised at the meeting, as the MOOC has been praised as a “gold standard course” for its accessibility and ease of use. In addition, the virtual teaching and research office will promote the further development of teaching and teaching-related research.
Experts, scholars and student representatives also held a round-table session highlighting topics such as the development and reforms of the English major, and they shared opinions and suggestions on cutting-edge topics such as the role of AI in education.
More than forty people attended the meeting, including the heads of relevant departments of the OUC, core team members from the Computer Assisted English Language Learning MOOC, and personnel from various institutions of higher education, including teaching staff and outstanding students.
By Zhao Jianrong, OUC