1. Background

Momentous developments in generative artificial intelligence to teaching and research, daily operations and outreach of higher education institutions. Digital transformation in education offers new possibilities, including personalized learning experiences, enhanced student engagement, and unprecedented access to educational resources on a global scale. Under this context, the Global MOOC and Online Education Conference follows up on the implementation of the Beijing Declaration of MOOC Development (2020), which recommended UN organizations, international and regional organizations, governments, universities, and online education institutions around the world to deepen international exchanges and cooperation, accelerate the building up of infrastructure for communication, promote the openness and sharing of MOOC and online education resources, and jointly promote the setting of international technical and curriculum standards for MOOC and online education, joining hands to build, develop and promote MOOC and online education to better serve the society.

In this interdisciplinary field that bridges scientific innovations with social, cognitive, and developmental reflections, the conference’s scope extends beyond the subject matter of investigation. Instead, it aims to offer a transnational platform that promotes the digital transformation of higher education by discussing new interdisciplinary methods through conversation, comparison, and connection between the sciences and social science, developed and developing regions, engaged and under-engaged sectors.

In this context, the 2023 Global MOOC and Online Education Conference, themed “Reconstruction of Future Universities and Education Driven by Artificial Intelligence,” will be held in Milan, Italy, on 14-16 December 2023. The conference is co-hosted by the Global MOOC and Online Education Alliance and UNESCO IITE, and co-organized by Politecnico di Milano and Tsinghua University.

Education 2030, UN SDG 4, UNESCO Futures of Education initiative

Education is a key piece of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Despite the scope of these global commitments and the expected achievements, there is still an urgent need to look beyond this fast-approaching horizon. While the Education 2030 Incheon Declaration, and the Framework for Action (FFA) and UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, lay out a roadmap for the transformation of education systems and affirm a central commitment to inclusion and equity, we must still ask what education might yet become and what education might yet enable us to become.

Generative AI opens new horizons and challenges for education

With its unique mandate in leading international efforts to ensure that science and technology develop with strong ethical guardrails, UNESCO produced the first-ever global standard on AI ethics – the “Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence”. It prioritizes safety, inclusion, diversity, transparency, and quality. In response to the rapid emergence of new and powerful generative AI tools, UNESCO held the first global meeting of Ministers of Education on May 25, 2023, exploring the immediate as well as far-reaching opportunities, challenges, and risks that AI applications pose to education systems.

The global education systems are facing common concerns including how to adapt education systems to the disruptions generative AI is quickly causing, how to integrate generative AI into curricula, teaching methods, and examinations, and how to mitigate the inherent flaws of these technologies, including the capacity for making glaring errors and producing biased information. The ministerial debate revealed that governments worldwide are in the process of formulating appropriate policy responses in this rapidly evolving landscape – further developing or refining national strategies on AI, on data protection, and other regulatory frameworks.

Digital learning is the way forward to the future of higher education

The 2022 UN Transforming Education Summit shows us that education systems need to adapt to the shift of skills needed professionally, making learning more student-centered, connected, dynamic, inclusive, and collaborative, allowing creativity to blossom. Learning resources must evolve to reflect these transformations in how teaching and learning occur. Transforming education is an urgent political imperative for our collective future.

UNESCO will continue to steer the global dialogue with policy-makers, EdTech partners, academia, and civil society. The Organization is developing policy guidelines on the use of generative AI in education and research, as well as frameworks of AI competencies for students and teachers for school education.

Global MOOC Conference and Beijing Declaration on MOOC Development 2020

The Global MOOC Conference 2020 “Learning Revolution and Higher Education Transformation” was held at Tsinghua University from December 9 to 11. This event was the first global conference that launched the Global MOOC Alliance. This conference aimed to build consensus on development, gather innovative forces, share practical experience, and deliver technological prospects, to promote the construction, development, and sharing of MOOC and online education across the world.

At the conference, the Beijing Declaration on MOOC Development was issued. The declaration outlined a four-point consensus reached by the participants of the Global MOOC Conference regarding the role of MOOC and online education: (1) to keep learning undisrupted, (2) to transform the educational model, (3) to turn crisis into opportunities, and (4) to find social solidarity through education. It also emphasized that the transformation of global higher education through MOOC and online education should uphold the characteristics of equity, quality, innovation, and service.

Global MOOC and Online Education Conference 2021 and 2022

The new round of technological revolution and industrial change is advancing rapidly, and information technology has had a profound impact on higher education, with great changes in the way knowledge is imparted and acquired, as well as in educational concepts and education models. In the face of this global change, universities should actively encourage the sharing of educational resources, innovative models, and concepts as well as advanced information technology, and jointly promote the realization of a more inclusive and high-quality education.

The Global MOOC and Online Education Conference 2021 “Together for a Shared Future — Leading Higher Education Innovation in the New Digital Era” put forward the initiative that the deep integration of information technology and education teaching will become the future trend, and the form of online education as well as higher education will continue to change. Global universities, international organizations and other institutions must seize the opportunity and meet the challenges, accelerate the construction of high-quality MOOC and online education resources, and achieve a more open and inclusive, mutually beneficial and shared international higher education cooperation.

The Global MOOC and Online Education Conference 2022 “Digital Transformation of Education for the Future” unveiled a report entitled Unlimited Possibilities: Global Report on the Digitalization of Higher Education. This report was prepared by more than 200 experts from 72 higher education institutions (HEIs) around the world and based on experiences and practices in various countries and international organizations. It summarizes consensuses, trends, and changes in the digital transformation of higher education and suggests solutions to the current challenges. In the report, a global higher education digitalization index was created to give a precise and comprehensive picture of the evolution and prospects in the field and provide a useful reference for policy-makers.

2. Aim

The 2023 Global MOOC and Online Education Conference is aimed to capitalize on digital technology to innovate educational ideas, reform educational models, and actively contribute to transforming higher education in the generative AI era while enhancing educational equity and outcomes, and developing high-quality MOOC and online education.

One of the key objectives of this conference is to promote the development of innovative educational methods and models to improve the quality of higher education. This involves exploring cutting-edge pedagogical approaches, integrating advanced digital tools, and rethinking the way education is delivered and experienced. The conference aims to serve as a catalyst for educational institutions to embrace more dynamic and interactive forms of learning, leveraging the power of AI and other digital technologies to create a more engaging, effective, and personalized learning environment.

Another significant goal is to promote the integration of digital technology with the higher education system to ensure high-quality educational resources are more inclusive and equitable for all learners. This objective recognizes the transformative potential of digital technologies in democratizing education, making it accessible to learners regardless of their geographic location, socio-economic background, or physical abilities. The conference focuses on bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all learners, irrespective of their circumstances, have equal access to the best educational resources and opportunities.

Lastly, the conference aims to promote the building of a global community with a shared future for mankind, expanding cooperation and fostering a common vision across borders. This encompasses fostering international collaborations, exchanging best practices, and building networks that transcend national boundaries. By doing so, the conference seeks to cultivate a global educational ecosystem that is interconnected, collaborative, and mutually beneficial, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and understanding around the world.

Overall, the 2023 Global MOOC and Online Education Conference is committed to being at the forefront of educational innovation, leveraging digital technology to shape a more equitable, inclusive, and high-quality future for higher education.

Subthemes

The Conference will be structured under the following subthemes (tentative):

• “Future Literacy Laboratory: AI Engagement in 2035” subtheme envisions a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is deeply integrated into daily life and education. This forward-thinking laboratory focuses on understanding and anticipating the evolving landscape of AI in the next decade. It aims to prepare individuals for this future by enhancing their AI literacy, enabling them to interact seamlessly with advanced technologies. The discussions and explorations within this laboratory will revolve around the implications of AI in various sectors, the ethical considerations surrounding its use, and the skills needed to thrive in an AI-dominated future. The goal is to cultivate a generation that is not only adept at using AI but also capable of driving its responsible and innovative applications in various fields.
• “Empowering STEM Education through Digital Technologies” subtheme focuses on revolutionizing education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through the use of cutting-edge digital tools and platforms. By showcasing the 2023 winners of the Global MOOC and Online Education Alliance (GMA) Award, it explores how digital technologies can make STEM subjects more accessible, engaging, and effective for learners of all ages. This includes the use of virtual labs, simulation software, and interactive learning environments that can bring complex concepts to life. By integrating these technologies into the curriculum, educators aim to foster a deeper understanding and enthusiasm for STEM fields, potentially inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technologists. This theme also addresses the challenges of implementing these technologies in diverse educational settings and ensuring equitable access.
• “Advancing Educational Equity: Promoting Inclusive Lifelong Education” subtheme tackles the critical issue of making education accessible and relevant for all, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. This theme champions the idea that learning is a continuous journey that extends beyond traditional schooling. It emphasizes the importance of creating learning opportunities that are inclusive, adaptable, and responsive to the needs of a diverse population. This includes addressing barriers that hinder access to education, such as socioeconomic, geographic, and physical challenges. By leveraging technology and innovative pedagogical approaches, the goal is to build a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to society.
• “Enhancing Teacher Digital Literacy: The Driving Force Behind Digital Transformation” subtheme recognizes the pivotal role teachers play in the successful integration of technology in education. This subtheme focuses on equipping educators with the necessary digital skills and competencies to navigate and utilize the plethora of digital tools and resources available. It’s about transforming teachers into digital-savvy educators who can effectively incorporate technology into their teaching methods, thereby enriching the learning experience for their students. The theme also delves into the ongoing professional development and support systems needed for educators to stay abreast of the rapidly evolving digital landscape. The aim is to empower teachers to become agents of change in the digital transformation of education.
• “Exploring the Digital Future of Higher Education: Integrate and Innovate AI with Future Capabilities” subtheme delves into the transformative impact of AI on higher education. This theme explores how AI can be integrated into various aspects of higher education, from personalized learning paths to administrative efficiency. It examines the potential of AI to revolutionize the teaching and learning process, making education more adaptive, personalized, and effective. The discussions will focus on innovative ways to incorporate AI into curriculum design, student assessment, and research methodologies. The aim is to prepare higher education institutions for a future where AI is not just a tool but a fundamental component of the educational ecosystem, driving innovation and excellence in academia.