In the context of the global trend of digital transformation, this research analyses Wuhan University’s practices in digital intelligence (DI) education reform to promote the digital transformation of higher education. It identifies two main gaps in current DI education research: a lack of systemic integration and actionable models.
Wuhan University has developed a comprehensive digital transformation framework. It emphasises tiered training for DI talent, covering different academic levels and fields, and integrates DI elements into discipline development. The framework aims at developing general knowledge-equipped, application-oriented, and professional talents, ensuring a seamless transition from high school to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Moreover, the framework has deeply integrated the core elements of DI education, such as AI and Big Data into the development of disciplines, programs, and curriculum systems, laying a solid foundation for DI education reform. Furthermore, the framework has moved beyond the traditional model of pure education by utilising projects from its innovation and entrepreneurship center.
The university has established a teaching platform with four real computing elements, such as real data and real models, real computing power, and real scenarios to support teaching. To ensure effective evaluation, it has digitized the education evaluation system using AI-based tools. Moreover, the university has created a new DI campus ecosystem that focuses on advanced disciplines (such as natural science, geospatial science, health and medical care, industrial production, finance and business, urban‒rural government servive, law and public opinion, and culture and society), aggregates tools and software sets (such as OGE remote sensing platform), and infrastructure (such as experimental computing power zone, data resource pool, and model repository).
Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including faculty doubts about AI-based assessments, data-sharing obstacles, and ethical issues. The university is addressing these through faculty training, technological solutions, and ethical review. Looking ahead, improving AI literacy, enhancing resource sharing, and solving problems related to standardisation, security, and ethics are key to furthering the digital transformation of higher education.
The work titled “Leading the Digital Transformation of Higher Education Through the Reform of Digital Intelligence Education: Exploration and Practice at Wuhan University”, was published on Frontiers of Digital Education (published on March 20, 2025).
DOI: 10.1007/s44366-025-0041-3