Renmin University opens first 'Parent School' to explore AI-era education

Renmin University of China announced on August 21 that it would launch a 'Parent School' program, the first among universities, to explore a collaborative education model involving schools, families, and society in the age of AI. The event was held both online and offline, attracting over 7,000 new students' parents to watch the live stream.

Ding Hongxing, deputy director of the Ministry of Education's Department of Ideological and Political Work, noted that AI and other new technologies are shaping young people's values, and that ideological education and family communication methods need urgent updates. He praised the university's timely initiative and hoped that all parties would build a unified vision and form a model for others to follow.

Li Yongzhi, president of the National Institute of Education Sciences, emphasized that in the AI era, the family is an irreplaceable educational subject beyond schools. The essence of home-school collaboration is 'co-learning' rather than 'co-management,' and the focus in universities should shift from 'supervision' to 'support.' He suggested that universities and families jointly regulate the use of AI in learning, guide students to harness AI, and cultivate their intrinsic motivation.