Faculty of Science and Engineering (FoSE) of the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) held the 4th Science and Engineering Education Symposium in the New International Conference Centre on 30th May, 2024. The symposium attracted faculty and students from various units of the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, faculty representatives from the University of Nottingham, and industry elite to discuss the latest trends and challenges in science and engineering education, with the aim of contributing to the wisdom and strength of global educational innovation and development.
At the beginning of the conference, Professor Jon Garibaldi, Provost of the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, delivered a passionate opening speech. He warmly welcomed the participants and emphasised the central role of science and engineering education in driving social progress and economic development. Professor Jon Garibaldi pointed out that science and engineering education faces unprecedented opportunities and challenges with the continuous advancement of science and technology and the deepening development of globalisation. He hoped that the participants could take this opportunity to have in-depth exchanges, collide ideas, and jointly promote the innovation and development of science and engineering education.
Professor Tao Wu, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, then recalled his initial intention of launching this exchange platform four years ago with Dr Sherif Welsen, the founder and chair of the symposium. He pointed out that the FoSE has always been committed to improving the quality of education, strengthening the construction of faculty and promoting the process of internationalisation of education.
Dr Sherif Welsen, Head of FoSE Science and Engineering Education (SEE) Research Group, Associate Professor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, followed with his opening speech by recalling the history of the development of the SEE symposium. “Over the years, this symposium has become an essential platform for presenting innovative science and engineering education research. This year, we continue to broaden our scope, featuring various speeches and presentations for a diverse audience, including academics, administrators, and students,” said Dr Welsen.
The meeting was hosted by Dr Richard Rankin, Deputy Head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Professor Dave Towey, Associate Dean for Education and Student Experience in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Professor Hao Tan, Associate Dean for Education and Student Experience in the Nottingham University Business School China, Dr Derek Irwin, Associate Dean for Education and Student Experience in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Mattia Miani, Director of Education and Student Experience – Content, Centre for English Language Education gave presentations on their respective Faculties and Centres' efforts in the areas of teaching and student support and looked forward to discussing the possibilities of interdisciplinary collaboration with colleagues from different faculties and centres.
During the presentation sessions, several speakers discussed in depth how to develop students' independent learning abilities, change learning models and embrace AI-generated educational content. These presentations not only demonstrated the academic frontier, but also provided useful insights for educational reform.
In addition, the symposium focused on the innovative applications of multi-user real-time 3D virtual environments and intelligent agents in education. A series of exciting presentations demonstrated the great potential of these technologies to enhance educational effectiveness, stimulate students' intrinsic motivation, and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. Q&A sessions and certification activities provided participants with opportunities for in-depth exchange and learning.
It is worth mentioning that Ezer Alshech, Senior Director of Clarivate, was invited to speak at the symposium. Ezer Alshech explained in detail how Cognitive AI could be used to enhance science and engineering education, noting that as AI technology continues to evolve, its application in education is becoming more and more widespread. By using Cognitive AI technology, students' learning behaviours and ability levels can be analysed more accurately, providing them with more personalised learning paths and resources. At the same time, he also shared some successful cases and application practices of Clarivate in the field of education.
During the interactive session, participants actively asked questions, spoke enthusiastically, and had in-depth exchanges and discussions with the speakers. Everyone said that the seminar not only provided them with a rare learning and communication platform, but also provided them with a lot of valuable insights and ideas.
We believe that with the joint efforts of all of them, the future of science and engineering education will be more exciting and energetic.