In response to the initiative of "The Year of Digital Intelligence for the Confucius Institute (2025-2027)" and to further advance the digital and intelligent innovation practices of Confucius Institutes worldwide, the Chinese International Education Foundation (CIEF) and the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) will jointly host the Second Selection Event of Cases on Confucius Institute Digital Application and Practice in 2026. For the first time, this event adds a participation unit for CIers, aiming to cover both institutional and individual participants, collect experience in digital and intelligent application and practice from multiple dimensions, promote the coordinated development of Confucius Institutes across the globe, and contribute to building a new paradigm for international Chinese language education and cultural exchanges.
I. Theme
"Digital Synergy on Dual Tracks·Intelligent Integration Across Five Continents": the Second Selection Event of Cases on Confucius Institute Digital Application and Practice
II. Timeline
April to December 2026
III. Organizers
1. Hosted by: Chinese International Education Foundation, University of Science and Technology Beijing
2. Organized by: Research Center of Digital Technology for Confucius Institute
IV. Participants and Submission
The activity sets up two units: the Confucius Institute Unit and the CIer Unit. Cases for two units shall be submitted and evaluated separately, with the details as follows:
The Confucius Institute Unit: Open to the Confucius Institute (including Confucius Classrooms, the same below), and each Confucius Institute may submit no more than 2 cases in total.
The CIer Unit: Open to individual CI teachers and students as well as teams (2-5 members). Each participant may join in no more than 2 cases.
Please complete the application as required by logging in to the following website: https://cicaseselection2026.ci.cn/
V. Contents for Submission
1．The Confucius Institute Unit
This event continues the three major categories of the first selection event, with a focus on digital and intelligent projects that involve the overall coordination of the Confucius Institute, team collaboration and long-term implementation. All submitted cases should demonstrate institutional-level construction planning and operational effectiveness. The specific requirements are as follows:
Smart Teaching: Enhancing teaching effectiveness through digital means, including: Self-developed digital teaching resources (instructional videos, e-textbooks, multimedia materials); application of digital technologies (online teaching platforms, AI, VR, digital-enhanced software etc.) in Chinese language teaching and research, and build a blended online and offline teaching system; conducting practices such as large-scale online teaching, teacher training, learning situation monitoring and teaching evaluation.
Smart Cultural Exchange: Promoting cross-cultural exchange through digital advantages, including: Innovative communication methods (social media, short videos, digital tools, etc.); online/remote cultural exchange activities (virtual summer/winter camps, VR museums, digital art exhibitions, festival events, online promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage etc.); building a digital and intelligent cultural communication brand for the Confucius Institute.
Smart Management: Optimizing Confucius Institute operations through digital technology, including: the application and construction of digital and intelligent management systems for Confucius Institute personnel, businesses, assets, student files, etc.; the establishment of a remote collaborative office system; the construction of a network and information security system.
2．The CIer Unit
Focusing on practical digital and intelligent application cases of CI teachers and students in daily teaching and work, these initiatives emphasize practical, feasible and effective approaches to help CIers enhance their digital and intelligent skills and literacy. The specific requirements are as follows:
Digital and Intelligent Empowerment of Chinese Language Teaching: Utilising digital and intelligent tools to conduct Chinese language teaching activities, such as innovating teaching approaches and instructional design; enriching teaching methods through online platforms, smart courseware and speech assessment to realise tailored instruction and personalised learning; effectively enhancing classroom interaction, teaching efficiency and educational effectiveness to drive the digital and intelligent transformation of Chinese language education.
Digital and Intelligent Empowerment of Scientific Research: Utilising digital and intelligent technologies to support research innovation, such as using generative artificial intelligence to accelerate large-scale data processing and mining, optimising research pathways, experimental design and validation methods, and enhancing the precision, reliability and innovation of the research process, which may facilitate the production of high-quality research outcomes and drive continuous breakthroughs and development within academic disciplines.
Digital and Intelligent Empowerment of Cultural Exchange: Relying on digital and intelligent means to promote the exchange of civilizations, such as expanding communication channels and platforms, innovating cultural presentation formats including text, imagery and immersive experiences, breaking down spatial and temporal barriers to enable outstanding cultural content to reach a wider audience to enhancing the reach, appeal and international influence of Chinese culture, thereby facilitating diverse cultural exchange and mutual learning.
VI. Schedule
1. Submission Period (April to September 30th, 2026)
Submitting institutions or individuals must complete the "Declaration Form for Submitting Cases on Confucius Institute Digital Application and Practice" and provide necessary supporting materials (practice reports, pictures, videos, data, etc.).
2. Expert Review (October 1st to October 31st, 2026)
An expert panel will comment on and provide guidance for the submitted cases.
3. Achievement Release and Promotion Period (November to December, 2026)
The hosts will release the event’s achievements, conduct publicity and promotion through platforms like the World Chinese Language Conference, and simultaneously compile the “2026 Collection of Exemplary Cases of Confucius Institute Digital Applications and Practices”.
VII. Honors
(1) Some submitting institutions or individuals will be invited to attend the 2026 World Chinese Language Conference and recommended by CIEF to share experience and achievements at relevant forums.
(2) Selected cases will be included in the "2026 Collection of Exemplary Cases of Confucius Institute Digital Applications and Practices", published as a bluebook or e-publication.
(3) The results of this event will serve as an important reference for the evaluation and selection of outstanding Confucius Institutes.
(4) Other forms of awards.
VIII. Contact Information
Ms. Zhang: digital@cief.org.cn
Attachment:
Chinese International Education Foundation
University of Science and Technology Beijing
April 2026
