Digitalization in education is a crucial breakthrough for opening new avenues and shaping the future of education. Developments in Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies are changing the ways in which the teaching and learning transaction takes place. Generative AI is making an impact on institutions, teachers and learners in unprecedented ways. The agenda of the UN Summit of the Future 2024, highlights the need for cooperation to transform education by revisiting the purpose of education, the learning environment, the teaching profession, digital transformation and supporting quality education for all. Smart education must harness the potential of technologies to increase access, improve quality, reduce costs, and support inclusion.

To promote digital transformation in education and to foster international understanding,  the organizing committee of the Global Smart Education Conference is pleased to announce the “Global Smart Education Innovation Prize.” The prize aims to recognize innovative solutions in the field of smart education that use technology to address some of the most pressing challenges in education and training.

Applications are invited from all levels of education, from primary to secondary, to tertiary, including TVET and lifelong learning. Innovations can relate to harnessing technologies for improving pedagogy, reaching the marginalized and persons with disabilities, generating solutions for scaling up TVET training, developing models for employment and entrepreneurship, and promoting cutting-edge research.

1. Prize Categories

Prizes for “Global Smart Education Innovation” will be awarded in three categories: Research Innovation Prize, Practice Innovation Prize, and Technology Innovation Prize.

     (1) Innovations in Research Prize

This prize recognizes widely influential and empirically verified innovations in the field of smart education by individuals, institutions or organizations. This includes, but is not limited to, theoretical and empirical research. Innovative books, papers, and research reports, which expand the frontiers of knowledge in the field of smart education and intelligent technologies, can be submitted.

    (2) Innovations in Practice Prize

This prize recognizes practical innovations in the field of smart education by individuals, institutions or organizations. This includes, but is not limited to, the digital transformation of education at the local, national or regional levels relating to governance or practice, improvements in classroom teaching, developments of innovative pedagogic models, and how technologies can be used in innovative ways to improve the quality of education and reach the unreached.

    (3) Innovations in Technology Prize

This prize recognizes technological innovations in the field of smart education and enterprise that can help solve some of the key challenges in the education and training sectors. This includes, but is not limited to, educational equipment/tools, software systems, coding/algorithms, and integrated technology solutions. This prize encourages individuals, institutions, or organizations affiliated to a company to explore new ideas, approaches and solutions to providing ethical innovations that can be scaled up for making a difference.

2. Application Deadline and Materials

The “Global Smart Education Innovation Prize” calls on candidates to complete the form and submit a signed Declaration of Commitment.

Applications are open until July 18, 2024. Applicants need to fill out the “Global Smart Education Innovation Prize Application Form” (see the attachment) and submit it through the official email gseprize@bnu.edu.cn. Applications can be submitted in English or Chinese.

3. Selection Methods

The Program Committee of the Global Smart Education Conference is responsible for evaluating and declaring the winners. The Committee may decide to award more than one prize for each category. Their decision will be final and not subject to appeal. Evaluation criteria include, but are not limited to, innovative digital solutions, evidence of impact, practical value, inclusion and equity, and potential for effective applications and scale.

The list of winners will be announced at the Global Smart Education Conference where an award ceremony will be held to present certificates and cash prizes.

4. Contact Information

Email: gseprize@bnu.edu.cn

Website: https://gse.bnu.edu.cn/en

Attachment 1 : Announcement of Global Smart Education Innovation Prize

Attachment 2 : Global Smart Education Innovation Prize Application Form

Organizing Committee  of Global Smart Education Conference