“Innovative Design Thinking+” Symposium Leads AI-Driven Educational Transformation
— "Innovative Design Thinking+ International Education Symposium " Successfully Held in Silicon Valley and Nanchang
San Jose, CA, August 27, 2024 – The "Innovative Design Thinking+ International Education Symposium," co-hosted by the University of San Jose (USJ) and Jiangxi University of Software Professional Technology (JXSUPT), successfully took place both online and in-person in Silicon Valley, Nanchang, Chengdu, and other locations. The event brought together prominent educators, thought leaders, and industry experts to explore the transformative role of "Innovative Design Thinking+" in the AI era.
JXSUPT Venue (Left) Chengdu Venue (Right)
Key speakers and attenders included Dr. Claude Wang, founding president of USJ; Dr. Fangping Chen, Chairman of JXSUPT; Dr. Like Zhuang, President of JXSUPT; Dr. Olaf Jorgenson, Joint Headmaster of Head of School in the U.S.; Dr. Ai Xin, Distinguished Professor at USJ and Silicon Valley innovation expert; and Mr. Peng Wang, General Manager of Chengdu Gocean Education Group. The seminar was moderated by Professor Hongming Fan, Executive President of J JXSUPT.
Part 1 Focus on “Innovative Design Thinking+” in Global Education
The seminar concentrated on the theoretical development and practical application of "Innovative Design Thinking+" in international education. As Artificial Intelligence (AI), including tools like ChatGPT, continues to advance, it is reshaping curriculum design, teaching, assessments, and learning methods. This evolution marks the emergence of new educational models such as "AI+" and "Innovative Design Thinking+,” creating fresh opportunities and challenges in student career development and planning.
During the opening remarks, Professor Fan highlighted the revolutionary impact of emerging teaching methods like “AI+” and “ChatGPT+” on education. He emphasized that the evolving educational collaboration between China and the U.S. presents a unique opportunity to learn from Silicon Valley's "Innovative Design Thinking+" model, empowering students with the skills needed to thrive in a global workplace.
Keynote Addresses
Dr. Claude Wang, President of USJ, emphasized the role of "Innovative Design Thinking+" in enhancing international academic credentials and career prospects through collaboration between USJ and Jiangxi Software Vocational and Technical University. He shared insights on integrating traditional disciplines with Innovative Design Thinking to reform educational approaches, highlighting the effective fusion of Chinese characteristics with international development in their cooperative research.
Dr. Like Zhuang, President of JXSUPT, reflected on previous collaborative efforts between USJ and JXSUPT and stressed the importance of fostering exchange and learning opportunities between Chinese and American students. He expressed optimism that the "Innovative Design Thinking+" approach would take root at JXSUPT, further enhancing students' professional growth.
Dr. Olaf Jorgenson, Joint Headmaster of Head of School, discussed the critical need for diverse and intelligent student evaluation systems in the AI era. He advocated for a holistic approach that not only focuses on knowledge and skills but also enhances soft skills such as creativity, communication, leadership, and resilience, positioning students to succeed in a multidimensional world.
Part 2 Special Lecture on Innovative Design Thinking+
Dr. Ai Xin, Distinguished Professor at USJ, delivered a lecture on the impact of "Innovative Design Thinking+" on future education, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and the development of soft skills like collaboration and critical thinking in an AI-driven world. She underscored the need for Innovative Design Thinking to bridge the gap between technology and human needs, fostering a resilient mindset in students.
Successful Conclusion
The seminar concluded with dynamic discussions and active participation from attendees, marking a significant step forward in international educational cooperation and the promotion of "Innovative Design Thinking+" as a driving force in the AI era. The success of the event underscores the potential for continued collaboration and innovation in global education.