In bustling Shanghai, a quiet "revolution" in education is underway. More senior residents are willing to learn digital skills to bridge the gap between their golden years and the era of rapid digital transformation, where smartphones, artificially intelligent facilities, and smart home devices have become integral parts of daily life.
At Qinzhou College of Shanghai University for the Senior, an elderly student confidently strums a smart cordless guitar, effortlessly following chords displayed on her smartphone app. "Let me play The Moon Represents My Heart for you," she says, her fingers dancing over the instrument, which doesn't require traditional strings.
The smart cordless guitar course, launched on March 9, exemplifies the university's commitment to accessible and enjoyable learning for seniors through AI technology. "It tackles common challenges like finger pain from pressing the strings and complex music notation," explains Geng Siyu, deputy general manager of Best Friend Culture. "It allows seniors to play music as soon as they pick up the instrument, truly catering to their needs."
This course reflects the university's mission to offer classes that resonate with senior students' interests and needs. This semester, the university will offer over 28,000 enrollment slots citywide, with nearly 40 new centers primarily in suburban areas. More than 300 courses across 10 categories will be offered, balancing traditional and contemporary disciplines.
Courses like AI applications, drone operation, and hand-brewed coffee-making have become hugely popular, leading to high demand and competitive registration.