The 6th AsTEN International Conference

On December 14, 2024, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM successfully organized the 6th AsTEN International Conference, themed "Educational Methods and Approaches in the Digital Era: New Educational Trends and International Experiences." The event gathered many education managers, researchers, and lecturers from various countries in the region.

Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, the University Rector, delivered the opening speech, emphasizing the significance of collaboration and sharing educational experiences in the context of digital transformation. She encouraged the participants to engage in discussions to identify practical solutions, thereby improving education quality and meeting the increasingly diverse learning needs. She also affirmed ASEAN's common vision to build an education system that transcends national borders, promotes innovation, and ensures human values, equity, and sustainability.

Following the opening speech, the plenary session featured several important presentations on the challenges and educational trends in the digital age. Dr. Roger Chao Jr. presented on "New Challenges in Teacher Education: Higher Education among Southeast Asian Nations in the Digital Transformation Era." He highlighted that higher education institutions in Southeast Asia are facing systemic, institutional, and personal challenges. Specifically, systemic challenges include digital transformation in education, improving digital teaching methods, and developing infrastructure and digital learning resources. At the institutional and personal levels, educational institutions need to make critical decisions to transform teaching models, focusing on self-directed learning, micro-learning, and increasing recognition from businesses rather than just focusing on degrees.

Dr. Roger Chao Jr., Director of the Education, Youth, and Sports Department at the ASEAN Secretariat, presented the first paper at the plenary session - Photo: LY NGUYEN

Next, Dr. Le Hoang Dung, Vice Rector of the University, presented his paper on "Challenges and dilemmas imposed by new technology-oriented education and a call for adequate assessment for lifelong learning." He emphasized that in the context of technology-oriented education, methods and tools for assessing continuous learning are being developed, benefiting teachers but also increasing pressure on learners. Therefore, he called for educators and managers to design and implement appropriate assessment tools that not only measure learning effectiveness but also foster self-learning, motivating lifelong learning for students.

Dr. Le Hoang Dung, Vice Rector of the University, shares the value of teachers in teaching - Photo: LY NGUYEN

After the presentations, the conference held an open discussion session where delegates and experts from various countries exchanged and analyzed the presented content in more depth. Questions focused on the application of digital technology in education, solutions to overcome challenges in digital transformation, and appropriate assessment methods for learners in the new context. Many comments emphasized the importance of building a synchronized digital infrastructure to ensure equitable access for all learners, especially in rural and disadvantaged areas. Participants also shared practical experiences in applying artificial intelligence and blended learning methods into training programs, enhancing teaching and learning effectiveness.

Dr. Hoang Mai Khanh presents gifts to speakers in the plenary session - Photo: LY NGUYEN

Dr. Roger Chao Jr. answers a question from a participant in the program - Photo: LY NGUYEN

After the plenary session, several sub-sessions took place with the participation of many scientists, lecturers, and education experts from ASEAN countries. Each sub-session focused on specific topics, such as teaching and learning methods in the context of digital transformation, developing digital skills for teachers and learners, and international experiences in educational innovation. During these sessions, many advanced research studies and educational models were presented and analyzed, providing a multidimensional and practical perspective for attendees. Delegates shared effective initiatives and solutions to enhance digital capabilities in teaching and learning while discussing the creation of flexible and sustainable learning environments that meet the needs of the digital era.

The 6th AsTEN International Conference on "Educational Methods and Approaches in the Digital Era: New Educational Trends and International Experiences" is part of the AsTEN event series hosted by the University, under the close guidance of Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, Rector of the University, and President of the ASEAN Network of Teacher Education Institutions. This conference is not only an academic forum but also aims to build a sustainable teacher education network in the ASEAN region. It helps enhance the capacity of educational institutions, promotes internationalization initiatives, and creates opportunities for AsTEN members to expand cooperation in research and educational innovation projects. In particular, this event also contributes to promoting Vietnam's image as a dynamic academic and cultural hub in the region, while fostering broader educational cooperation globally.

Delegates take a commemorative photo at the event - Photo: LY NGUYEN

LY NGUYEN - THU THAO