Higher Education Track Finals
From July 26–28, 2024, the Higher Education Track Finals of the 7th Global Competition on Design for Future Education were held at Beijing Normal University (BNU), co-organized by BNU and UNESCO IITE. The event brought together over 110 participants from 30+ universities worldwide, including teams from Maldives, Croatia, India, and South Korea, competing intensively over 48 hours to tackle future-focused education challenges.
BNU Vice President Zhou Zuoyu highlighted the competition’s role in advancing education innovation through technology. Distinguished leaders such as UNESCO IITE Director Zhan Tao, Smart Learning Institute Co-Dean Ronghuai Huang, NetDragon Chairman Dejian Liu, and UNESCO IITE Governing Board Chair Asha Kanwar emphasized collaboration, creativity, and technological integration as key to reimagining education’s future.
Participants addressed themes like inclusive learning, digital cultural preservation, and rural education resources. Mentors from top universities and companies guided teams, with innovative solutions showcased in presentations. Awards included Gold, Silver, Bronze, and special recognitions for design, creativity, and technology.
The event also featured AIGC workshops, interactive tech demos, and cultural exchange activities. Organized by BNU’s Smart Learning Institute, with support from global partners and sponsors like NetDragon and Alibaba Cloud, the competition celebrated the ongoing journey of educational innovation.
K12 Track Finals
On August 20, 2024, the K12 Track Finals of the 7th Global Competition on Design for Future Education concluded at Beijing Normal University (BNU) as part of the Global Smart Education Conference. Co-organized by BNU and UNESCO IITE, the event attracted over 420 case-study submissions from K12 teachers worldwide, exploring innovative solutions to key educational challenges. After rigorous evaluation, 89 case-studies were awarded, including 15 first prizes, 32 second prizes, and 42 third prizes.
During the Finals, 20 selected teachers presented cutting-edge projects integrating technologies like AIGC and AR with concepts such as personalized learning and interdisciplinary teaching. Judges, including Prof. Zhou Jiaxian from East China Normal University and Mr. Wu Fati from BNU, praised the participants for their innovation, problem-solving, and alignment with educational policies.
At the awards ceremony, Prof. Chen Guangju, Former Vice President of BNU, commended the teachers’ contributions to global smart education. Awards for posters, videos, and case-studies recognized excellence in design and innovation.
The event concluded with a call to continue advancing education through creativity and collaboration, with next year’s competition eagerly anticipated.
