UWTSD Reflects on Successful Knowledge Exchange with Beijing Union University Scholars
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Confucius Institute and the Institute of Education and Humanities (IEH) have successfully hosted a collaborative Knowledge Exchange session with visiting scholars from Beijing Union University, bringing together educators, researchers, and technologists to explore innovative applications of technology in learning and accessibility.
The morning programme centred on digital and immersive approaches to supporting neurodiverse learners and students with additional learning needs. Attendees heard from Alison Rees-Edwards and Laura Hutchings, Institute Digital Lead: IEH, who presented their research on digitally mapping environments to better support neurodiverse students.
Laura also showcased the co-creation of a virtual reality (VR) app developed alongside neurodiverse learners, demonstrating the value of collaborative design in creating accessible educational experiences.
Laura Emmanuel (Initial Teacher Training) shared insights into how UWTSD’s immersive room is being utilised to identify and respond to the needs of pupils with additional learning needs, while Dr Ceri Phelps, Health Psychologist, Project Lead and Principal Lecturer in Applied Psychology at UWTSD, presented highlights from her project “Limb Loss: Walking in our Shoes”, offering a powerful perspective on lived experiences of limb loss.
The event also featured visiting scholars from Beijing Union University, who demonstrated emerging audiology and accessibility technologies and offered valuable international perspectives on inclusive practice in China. Their contributions enriched the day’s discussions and opened new avenues for global collaboration.
The afternoon programme broadened the exploration of innovation and inclusion, with talks on artificial intelligence, China’s digital economy, disability policy, and ethical journalism. The day concluded with an informal networking session combining a Chinese tea ceremony with a traditional Welsh afternoon tea, providing a warm and symbolic platform for continued exchange.
The Knowledge Exchange created a vibrant, hands-on, interdisciplinary space that highlighted the potential of cross-cultural collaboration in advancing inclusive, technology-enhanced education.
Laura Hutchings said: “It was inspiring to share the work we’ve been developing with neurodiverse students and to demonstrate how co-creation can transform digital tools like our VR app. Working directly with learners helped us design environments that genuinely reflect their needs and experiences. The contributions from our colleagues at Beijing Union University added real depth to the day, offering fresh perspectives on accessibility and inclusion. The exchange has sparked exciting conversations and possibilities for future collaboration.”
Krystyna Krajewska, Executive Director of the Confucius Institute added: “Our partnership with Beijing Union University spans 18 years and continues to evolve in ways that are both meaningful and forward-looking. This recent Knowledge Exchange on AI in education has been especially fruitful, allowing us to learn from each other’s expertise. We are now exploring an online conference for next year that will examine both the philosophical and ethical dimensions of AI, as well as its practical applications in supporting educational inclusivity in both Wales and China.”
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071