Dr. Shadiev Rustam Narzikulovich, Professor

College of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China

Biography

Dr. Rustam Shadiev is a Tenured Professor at the College of Education, Zhejiang University, China, specializing in advanced educational technologies, with a focus on language learning and cross-cultural education. He earned his Ph.D. in Network Learning Technology from Taiwan Central University, China, in 2012. Prof. Shadiev is a Fellow of the British Computer Society (BCS), a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). He also holds the position of Graduate Faculty Scholar at the University of Central Florida, USA. In recognition of his academic contributions, Prof. Shadiev was awarded the title of Distinguished Professor of Jiangsu Province in 2019. He has published over 200 scholarly works, with a significant portion featured in SSCI-indexed journals. Prof. Shadiev has been named one of the most cited researchers in the field of education in China by Elsevier, Scopus, and Shanghai Ranking for four consecutive years (2020-2023), and is listed in Stanford/Elsevier’s Top 2% Scientists.
Prof. Shadiev serves on the editorial boards of several leading academic journals, including the Journal of Educational Technology & Society (SSCI), the Journal of Computer Assisted Learning (SSCI), and Smart Learning Environments. He also contributes as a guest editor for special issues in high-impact journals such as Sustainability (SSCI), Frontiers in Psychology (SSCI), and the Journal of Educational Technology & Society (SSCI).

Topic

Transforming Language and Culture Learning with Immersive and AI-driven Educational Technologies: From VR Engagement to Personalized Multilingual Tools

Abstract

The integration of immersive technologies into education is reshaping how learners engage with language and culture. This presentation will trace our research journey, beginning with the use of Virtual Reality (VR) to craft interactive, culturally immersive environments, where learners engage deeply with language through simulated real-world contexts. Building on this foundation, we incorporated AI-based translation tools and corrective feedback mechanisms within VR, supporting multilingual communication and improving content accuracy. These advancements not only helped overcome language barriers but also enhanced collaborative cross-cultural interactions in virtual spaces. As our work progressed, we examined student collaboration and communication in VR, focusing on the social dynamics of learning and the importance of interactivity in language education. Additionally, we explored student-generated VR content creation, enabling learners to design personalized cultural tours and participate in hands-on, creative learning activities. Our research also leveraged Generative AI, such as ChatGPT, to provide personalized learning experiences. By integrating AI feedback mechanisms, we tailored language support and adaptive content to meet individual learner needs. This presentation will explore the practical applications of VR and AI in language and culture education, share key research insights, and discuss the future potential of these technologies to create more dynamic, personalized, and interactive learning experiences.

Dr. Martin Woesler, Professor

Jean Monnet Research Centre of Excellence, Foreign Studies College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China

Biography

Professor Martin Woesler studied Chinese Studies and early engaged in University Pedagogy Studies and Internet Technology. After his PhD at Bochum University, he was invited for two years to conduct research and to teach extracurricular courses at Harvard University. He held tenure-track and tenured professorship positions in the USA, Germany, Italy, Poland and China. Currently he is Director of the EU Jean Monnet Research Centre of Excellence for the "Digitalization of University Teaching" at Hunan Normal University, China. He conducts research, teaches and publishes in German, English, Chinese (and French). He is Academian of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, Salzburg, PhD supervisor, Xiaoxiang Scholar, Winner of the 2020 Chinese Friendship Award (Chinese Government), 2023 Friend of Chinese Literature Award (Writers‘ Association), 2024 Outstanding Foreign Translator Award (Translators' Association).

Topic

Navigating Education into the New Age of Artificial Intelligence: A Global Perspective

Abstract

Globalization has significantly accelerated the development of transformative technologies such as blockchain, quantum communication, generative artificial intelligence (AI), and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR). The recent decision by the United States to restrict China's access to generative AI technologies has reshaped the competitive landscape, reminiscent of previous challenges faced by China with the Huawei operating system. Despite setbacks, China is rapidly advancing its own AI capabilities, striving to reclaim its position as a global leader in this field. This keynote will explore how decoupling influences competition and the risks of creating an imbalanced global development landscape. In particular, the education sector is undergoing a profound transformation due to generative AI. Students increasingly rely on AI to enhance their performance, complicating traditional assessment methods for educational institutions. However, the integration of AR, VR, and AI in teaching presents new opportunities, as demonstrated by large-scale research projects in China that aim to redefine the educational experience (Baxter 2022, Lecqulerc 2023, Günthner 2023). Examples of these innovations will be presented, highlighting their potential impacts on the future of schooling and higher education, ultimately illustrating how technology can reshape learning environments and pedagogical practices (Baxter 2022, Lecqulerc 2023, Günthner 2023). The keynote includes preliminary results of ongoing field work within high school classrooms and Chinese and EU universities, conducted by the EU Jean Monnet Research Centre of Excellence on the Digitalization of University Teaching in China and the EU (2023-2026).