Stanford e-China

The application period for the spring 2023 course has closed.

Spring 10-week course dates: April 7 to June 9, 2023 (China Time)

Tuition: $4000 USD
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Read this webpage in Chinese. (阅读此网页中文版。)

Technologies Changing the World: Design Thinking into Action

Stanford University is offering a new distance-learning opportunity to exceptional high school students and year 1–2 university students from China. This interactive, online course will focus on technologies changing the world, including green tech, finance tech, health tech, and artificial intelligence. In real-time seminars with leading Stanford University scholars and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, students will participate in a rigorous learning experience as they apply basic aspects of the Design Thinking framework to cutting-edge technologies that are defining our future and providing exciting areas for academic study, professional opportunities, and entrepreneurial innovation.

This English-language course will explore green tech, finance tech, health tech, and artificial intelligence. Students will be challenged to brainstorm innovative solutions to problems impacting technological advancements through discussions, assignments, and a mini design challenge. As a final project, students will identify and delve into a technological problem of personal interest in one of the course fields, apply design thinking skills to brainstorm human-centered solutions, and develop a slide presentation that culminates with a personal Action Plan. Students will also have an opportunity to collaborate virtually with American students. 

Students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion from SPICE, Stanford University. The top three students in the fall and spring courses will be invited to a ceremony at Stanford University in Silicon Valley.

Students will also gain practical, academic skills:

• Pre-recorded, university-level lectures by leading scholars from Stanford University offer practice listening to a variety of lecturing styles
• Real-time discussions led by guest lecturers familiarize students with the dynamics of classroom participation in schools such as Stanford University
• Short writing assignments improve critical thinking skills
• Exposure to the Design Thinking framework introduces a creative-thinking process and hands-on, problem-solving practice
• The final project requires students to investigate a suitable technological challenge, collaborate with colleagues in China and the U.S., develop compelling slides, and practice English presentation skills

Course components emphasize active participation and development of student interests:

• 10 “virtual classes” online in real time on Saturday mornings at 9:00 am Beijing time
• Weekly reading assignments of varying length and difficulty
• Required participation in virtual discussion boards with classmates
• Short writing assignments reflecting on readings and lectures
• Research in a course technology of the student’s choice (with instructor guidance)
• Online interaction with high school students in the United States
• Direction, facilitation, and support from the instructor throughout the course

Admission to this program is competitive; up to 30 exceptional students will be accepted. Requirements include:

• Enrollment in grades 10, 11, or 12 in a high school in China with exceptional academic experience, or in year 1 or 2 in a university in China
• Ability to read, write, and discuss complex ideas in English
• A complete application including a written personal statement, transcript, and availability for a virtual interview
• Availability for all or most of the virtual classes on Saturday mornings
• Ability to allot 3–4 hours per week for class preparation and assignments, on student’s own schedule
• Use of a personal computer, headset, and reliable access to a broadband Internet connection

For more information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions, contact Carey Moncaster (Stanford e-China Instructor) via email at cmoncaster@stanford.edu, or contact Liyi Ye (Stanford e-China Advisor in China) via WeChat at stanfordspice.

Read the FAQs in Chinese. (阅读常问问题中文版。)