Education Beyond Borders: AET Establishes a Bridge for Vocational Education
—AET Representatives Visit International Organizations and Multiple Countries’ Vocational Education Institutions
In recent years, vocational education has thrived in China, finding new opportunities in the post-pandemic era. The successful convening of the 2024 China Education Conference injected fresh momentum and direction into vocational education. Against this backdrop, a delegation from the Association of Educational Technology (AET) embarked on a series of visits to various international organizations. Their mission was to learn and exchange, promoting the integration of Chinese vocational education with international standards and showcasing China’s vocational education achievements to the world.
During the visit, the AET delegation visited several organizations and institutions, including UNESCO in Paris, France; the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB); UNESCO-UNEVOC; and the Finnish University of Applied Sciences Alliance. The delegation also engaged in in-depth discussions with Chinese embassies in France and Finland.
At UNESCO in Paris, the AET delegation gained insights into global innovations in vocational education led by the organization. They also visited the Chinese Embassy in France to explore the potential for Sino-French cooperation in vocational education, laying the groundwork for future bilateral collaboration
AET Representatives and Chinese Embassy Education Counsellor Zhou Jiagui
The AET delegation also visited the OECD, where they explored the ongoing “Intelligent Data and Digital Technology in Education: AI, Learning Analytics, and Future Development” project. OECD introduced the delegation to its cutting-edge work in educational assessment, highlighting how advancements in AI are redefining traditional assessment and examination methods. With new assessment methods such as simulation and game-based evaluations and improved machine scoring for essays, the OECD is advancing toward smarter, personalized learning assessments. The delegation learned that predictive models and learning analytics could revolutionize traditional exams, offering innovative assessment methods for future vocational education. This exchange provided China’s vocational education sector with valuable international perspectives on smart assessment and personalized learning.
The delegation then traveled to Germany, visiting the BIBB, which operates through a six-party committee comprising government, industry, and unions. This collaborative framework formulates Germany’s annual vocational education report and proposes new regulatory recommendations. BIBB emphasized that all future vocational training must integrate eight factors of the digital work environment, offering a valuable model for the development of vocational education in China. At UNESCO-UNEVOC, the center’s leadership shared insights on the reciprocal relationship between vocational education and economic development, emphasizing the role of vocational education in responding to technological changes and enhancing economic adaptability.
The itinerary also included the Finnish University of Applied Sciences Alliance and the Chinese Embassy in Finland. In Finland, the AET delegation examined the “Lifelong Learning Strategy” released by the Finnish government on September 26, 2024. This strategy prioritizes competency-based certification in vocational education, providing a reference point for future vocational education curriculum and evaluation standards in China.
AET Representatives with Jouni Ahonen, Executive Director of Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences and Secretary General of the Finnish University of Applied Sciences Alliance, and Pasi Halmari, Director of Alliance Affairs
AET Representatives and Sun Hongzhi, Education Officer at the Chinese Embassy in Finland
The AET delegation’s international visit not only broadened the global perspective of China’s vocational education but also provided a crucial foundation for strengthening international cooperation in this field. The visit brought profound insights: vocational education plays a vital role in economic development and improving livelihoods. To further elevate China’s vocational education, efforts should focus on expanding the international influence of Chinese vocational education brands. Examples include creating unique Chinese vocational education brands with significant global promotional potential. It is also critical to enhance quality standards in vocational education, with institutions like Germany’s BIBB offering valuable references. Furthermore, modern vocational education systems should continue expanding in both content and scope, particularly in designing curricula that meet the demands of globalization and digital transformation. AET also recognized that promoting systematic research and global dissemination of vocational education could enhance China’s influence on the world stage, offering a platform and opportunity for a better global understanding of China’s vocational education development.