Educational Trip to Beijing. Thoughts, Insights, Impressions

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@Sayeda-Afshan Thank you so much @Sayeda-Afshan for sharing your beautiful moments with us. Waiting for more valuable thoughts from your side. Enjoy your trip dear.

@Irina_Mironova
The Dream We Live, A Journey of Learning and Innovation

Our journey has come to an end and we are back carrying with us the most advanced educational tools, experiences, and learnings that will stay in our hearts forever.
I am sorry for not sharing much details earlier due to internet issues and being completely absorbed by the amazing innovations around me but now I truly want to reflect on what we witnessed.

One of the most powerful sessions we attended on Digital Transformation where respected education policymakers, leaders and speakers from across the world shared how AI is reshaping education from the science of learning to technology human collaboration.Listening to these voices was eye opening it showed us how the future of learning is being designed today.

The exhibition was beyond expectation absolutely transformational from smart writing boards to one of the most advanced 3D AI printers we have ever seen every tool spoke of a future where education becomes more creative, inclusive and impactful.

This experience has not only broadened our view of education but has also changed how we see AI not as a replacement but as a partner in empowering teachers and students.with a heart full of gratitude I sincerely thank UNESCO IITE Net Dragon and E-Library for giving us this golden opportunity to witness the world’s most advanced education systems and to learn how innovation is shaping a brighter tomorrow truly this journey was more than a visit it was a vision for the future of education.
I will continue to share highlights from each destination in my next posts there is so much more to tell

I recently had the privilege of attending the GSE Conference at Beijing Normal University, a collaborative effort between BNU and UNESCO IITE, as a winner of the Teaching Competition 2023.
DAY 1 :-
The experience was truly unforgettable. I had the opportunity to network with fellow winners, exchange innovative ideas, and participate in the conference's opening ceremony. The expo featured cutting-edge AI tools and robots, including the fascinating KIDODO, a small robot that can read stories and express emotions. The day concluded with a breathtaking trip to the Great Wall of China, making it an unforgettable experience.

It is not easy to surprise me with school equipment, because I have already seen different schools and worked in one that has the latest technology. But THISDL School in Beijing really surprised me. After a great presentation from the foreign principal, Mr. Daniel Holder, he gave us a tour of the most unusual classrooms in his school.

First, I was surprised to see a piano in the middle of the corridor near the cafeteria. Mr. Holder explained that the school has many pianos in the corridors, and students can play them during breaks.

It is amazing how different learning spaces are created. Next to art rooms, which include sewing and drawing, there are spaces made by students themselves and also by professional designers from different countries. Next to the science rooms, there are bicycles and other objects taken apart, so students can watch and learn. Physics is also shown with different models – everything looks natural and helps students learn and love science. In the biology room, there are many kinds of b**terflies, fossils, and other exhibits. Students go on trips with the teacher and bring new items for the collection. Everything needed for this is available.

The long corridors also show different parts of school life – everything is done with style. There is even a special wall with student artworks that Mr. Holder liked. He buys them from students and makes a small exhibition. Of course, the school has an amphitheater with professional equipment, like in real theaters, where plays are performed all the time.

Want to play golf? No problem – there is a virtual golf club. Fencing? All equipment is ready. You can even learn surfing here – there is a special simulator. There is also a gym, sports halls for each sport, and swimming pools. After school, teachers and their families can use the pools too.

Such equipment needs highly qualified teachers. And Mr. Holder manages this very well: 20% of teachers have a doctoral degree, and 95% have a master’s degree. Less than 2% of staff change every year, so they really focus on good results.

Hi Irina!

Thank you for creating this thread so we could accumulate the impressions and ideas from this study tour to Beijing, China.

Since day 1, the trip was nothing but amazing! The coordination between organizers and all the volunteers was just seamless. They were always more than willing to help and provide assistance in any way they could!

On Sunday when we arrived, we got the chance to meet with all the winners for the very first time. Things were a bit formal at the beginning, tho soon after that everyone got the chance to show more expressions and warmth towards one another.

From the opening ceremony of the GSEC 2025, to the closing ceremony, they have provided a deep insights of how AI and digital technology have been improved, redesigned, and applied in various settings. The conference gave me an eye-opening experience. It brought together educators, technologists, and thought leaders from around the world to explore the evolving landscape of smart education and AI implementation. The parallel panels and keynote sessions delved into how transformative role of AI and digital technology in education have helped the transferring processes of knowledge.

Various discussions such as AI-powered personalized learning to identify each student's strength and weaknesses to the ethical considerations of data-driven education. Each sessions offered fresh perspectives and practical insights. In particular, I was so impressed by the panel and showcase of AI in assessment and feedback. It strengthen the functions of machine learning to support formative assessment, in which would reduce teacher workload while prioritizing student engagement. The topics offered have reminded us on the importance of emphasizing how these tools and platforms support continuous skills development beyond traditional schooling. All for all, these topics have deepened my understanding of how AI and digital technology can be harnessed not to just deliver contents, but as well to redesign pedagogy, empowering learners, and fostering global collaboration & networking.

During one of the sessions, a teacher asked his students to watch an animation videos, in which later the students responded to the questions given. The AI would recognize the answer, and give feedback on the students writing, and show which paragraph they got it correctly and which ones were still in incorrect answers or responses. These showcase of AI implementation had allowed me to renew the sense of purpose and curiosity.

The booths were no less impressive. We could get the chance to engage the conversation in english directly to acquire information of their products. There are so many technological equipment that would create such an engaging learning environment for both educators and the students. One of them which stood out was the technology of combining AI and digital platform for teachers that can teach remotely, while the students can learn from afar places could follow the lesson, learn, and interact with the teacher. With the help of AI to read, differentiate, and remember each teacher's body movement and gesture, it will create a representation of the teacher with a smooth movement to be shown to a different classroom across the country or globe. So both classes, even they are thousand kilometers apart in a distance, they will experience a seamless learning experience where one teacher can teach several classes at the same time. It will allow students to ask questions, and ask for further explanation.

This innovation has definitely reshaped the landscape of teaching. Global learning is no longer just an idea, but an implementation in the making. There are still so many things to mention here. Other technology involves pen detection to allow the AI to assess in real time of what the student is writing. Just a few seconds after that, the AI could provide some detailed assessement of the work of the student.

Long story short, this study tour is a life-changing, eye-opening, and memorable one. We have made friends with others from across the world, that share the same passions in educating the young souls, to create a better future that everyone deserves. Thank you UNESCO IITE, NetDragon, and BNU for running such an amazing, smooth, and enriching conference. Looking forward to reading what they will bring to their conference next year.

Shout out to all representatives from each organizations above. Ms. Tatiana Shutova from UNESCO IITE, Ms. Nicole from NetDragon, and Ms. Jennifer & Lanya from BNU. They have been super super great! I wish I could write more, but there are so many things to mention and share.

Also, congrats for all the winners from the first one to the 3.0 version. You guys are inspiring others!

Thank you, and warm regards for everyone.

-H

At GSE Exhibition we came across something truly heart warming the Kidodo Doll
This adorable little companion isn’t just cute it’s incredibly smart!Designed as an AI-powered learning buddy Kidodo is built to grow with children teaching poems singing songs telling stories and sparking imagination through interactive play.

With its glowing eyes playful voice and engaging activities it becomes more than just a toy it’s a friend teacher and storyteller all in one.The packaging even says “Always be your back”(a sweet way of saying it will always be there for your child

What really makes it special is how it combines education + companionship imagine a doll that doesn’t just sit on a shelf no but actually helps little ones learn laugh and feel supported as they grow

We were amazed to see how technology can be wrapped in something so human and warm.A reminder that innovation when done right can bring joy comfort and learning together.

Check out this next level classroom cutie! This isn't just any robot it's your AI buddy that reads your mood and your focus!

It’s a two-in-one buddy:
It can actually teach kids from stories poems and math to interactive games and even coding basics
At the same time it’s able to read students’ interest levels spotting who’s excited who’s distracted and who needs a little extra push.

For teachers this is like having an AI co-teacher in class… one that never gets tired of repeating lessons keeps kids engaged and gives real-time insights on how the whole class is feeling.

Learning just got way more alive fun and personal!

So much amazing technology on this trip but look at these two adorable little royals 小王子 (Little Prince) and 小公主 (Little Princess) They were just too cute at the Temple of Heaven like seriously “aww” moments everywhere!

We Got the privilege to visit this magical school THIDSL International School in China and honestly…we all can’t believe such a school exists!!!honestly we are calling it “Harry Potter’s School Hogwarts” because of how magical everything felt! 🪄

From the moment we entered we were blown away by the stunning architecture and the vibrant, innovative environment sports are an integral part of their curriculum they have golf courts,basketball,surfing, and swimming facilities, all beautifully maintained.The teachers are highly qualified, and the principal… what a charismatic personality!

We seen amazing sight of students learning sword skills it honestly felt like stepping into a scene from a movie️ The way they practiced with focus and grace showed how the school is nurturing not just academics but also confidence discipline and cultural richness in their students

One thing that deeply touched me was their special wellness room for teachers a space dedicated to health,relaxation,and recharging.Hats off to the school administration for recognizing that happy, healthy teachers make for even better learning experiences.It was a great reminder for us taking care of ourselves is as important as teaching our students.

We learned so much especially the idea of combining creativity, physical activity, and wellbeing into everyday learning.

And I couldn’t resist sharing this little cutie we met on campus a tiny hamster he was soo adorable

I truly wish that every child in the world could experience such a great standard of education within their own country where learning,creativity,wellbeing, and joy all come together in one place.

[Part 1: Expression of Gratitude]

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the amazing journey and the China Study Trip facilitated by UNESCO IITE and NetDragon.

1. For UNESCO IITE, especially Tatiana Shutova, UNESCO IITE Program Specialist, for her kindness and patience and guidance from the beginning of the competition, during the competition, before departure, during departure to Beijing, during the study trip in China, and until the return to our homeland. She is an incredible and committed woman. Her integrity is not in doubt.

2. For NetDragon, A huge thanks for allowing us to see how technology and humans create harmony. Thank you for bringing us to the city of future civilization. Special thanks to Nicole. You are a great lady. She patiently and attentively accompanied us to get to know and learn more about how education, technology, and culture blend beautifully in the city of Beijing.

3. For Jennifer and Dug (Laya). I am so sorry if I misspelled your name. You understand our tastes and our meticulous food choices. You've successfully selected memorable dining and tourist attractions for us. Even the smallest details haven't escaped your attention. I was also very impressed by how enthusiastic the academic staff, students, and researchers at Beijing Normal University (BNU) were about science and technological developments.

4. For Ting Wen (sorry if I misspelled his name) and all volunteers (Linda and all friends), I'm amazed at how you put us first. This is truly memorable and something I will never forget. My deepest respect and appreciation for your dedication and professionalism.