On 31 August 2023, Professor Li Jiacheng led a delegation of five members from the Shanghai Municipal Institute for Lifelong Education at East China Normal University to the Open University of China (OUC), also known as the Seniors University of China (SUC).
The purpose of the visit was to discuss potential research collaboration in the fields of elderly education and lifelong education. Fan Xianrui, a member of the Party Committee and vice president of OUC, was in attendance. Representatives from the SUC School for Older Adults, the Lifelong Education Research Institute, and the OUC Bell & Horn Education Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. also took part in the discussions.
Fan Xianrui outlined the historical context and future prospects of the SUC. She underscored that the Party Central Committee places a high premium on elderly education and the development of the SUC. There exists a set of pressing and tangible challenges within elderly education that necessitate rigorous investigation. Elderly education serves as an interdisciplinary domain with profound implications for senior health, grassroots administration, and intergenerational pedagogy. The objective of the SUC is to forge a platform for resource amalgamation and public service delivery. Fan Xianrui articulated a desire for strengthened collaboration between the two entities to embark on in-depth research, delving into the intrinsic nature and broader implications of elderly education, as well as pivotal and intricate issues inherent in the SUC's operations.
Both parties introduced the historical evolution, present status, primary focus areas, and associated research initiatives of their respective institutions. They delved into comprehensive discussions on subjects such as elderly education programmes, admission criteria for part-time instructors in senior universities, and the professional development of full-time educators. Furthermore, they actively explored opportunities for organising specialised forums on elderly education and collaborating on research projects.
Professor Li Jiacheng's delegation visited the OUC Lifelong Education Institute to engage in scholarly discussions on topics including surveys, specialised forums, and the advancement of key disciplines. Both parties have voiced their dedication to furthering collaborative research and academic exchanges.
Professor Li Jiacheng and his delegation visited the "Internet + University" Exhibition Centre at the OUC (SUC), including its exhibit titled "Opening a New Chapter of Senior Education in China". This visit offered them a detailed and holistic perspective of the OUC (SUC).
Written by Liu Shu and photographed by Zhang Zaixiong, OUC