Seminar on “Solutions to Enhance the Quality of National Defense and Security Education at Van Lang University”

On May 13, 2025, the Department of National Defense and Security Education at Van Lang University organized a seminar entitled “Solutions to Enhance the Quality of National Defense and Security Education.” The seminar aimed to share initiatives to improve professional competence, teaching methodologies, and the operation and management of the National Defense and Security Education (NDSE) course at the Binh Duong campus.

In her speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi My Dieu expressed the aspiration to shift students’ perspectives on the course: “Through the instructional content delivered by faculty, students will develop a deeper and more serious understanding of their country and history, thereby becoming individuals who contribute positively to society.” She also emphasized the importance of leveraging technology and inspiring teaching practices to boost student engagement, creating memorable learning experiences where each lesson serves as an opportunity for personal growth and the acquisition of essential knowledge and skills for the future.

He noted that NDSE plays a distinctive role in contributing to national security and public order, while also equipping students with essential life skills. In light of increasingly complex global and domestic developments, the teaching and management of the course face various limitations and challenges. Therefore, this seminar sought to gather valuable insights from experts and lecturers to propose practical and effective solutions.

Mr. Nguyen Linh Phong, M.A., delivered the first paper titled “Application of Information Technology in Teaching National Defense and Security Education.” He emphasized that the implementation of technological tools must be methodical and well-planned, based on a thorough analysis of the interrelationship among lesson objectives, content, teaching methods, and instructional media (e.g., Gemini, 3D, and Padlet platforms, virtual museums, Quizizz, Canva, etc.). He also underscored the importance of instructors proactively selecting and evaluating tools suitable to their capacity, ensuring safety and teaching effectiveness.

He shared that AR technology can simulate weapons and military equipment, recreate civil defense scenarios, support the practice of individual combat skills, and visualize military history. However, he also acknowledged significant challenges, such as limited technical infrastructure, a shortage of human resources, a lack of diversified content, and difficulties in standardizing AR-integrated curricula.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Tai presented his perspective on “The Application of AI Chatbots in Teaching, Managing, and Supporting Students in National Defense and Security Education.” He proposed that AI chatbots could enable students to access information quickly and accurately, provide out-of-hours support, and reduce dependency on the fixed working hours of instructors.

Mr. Nguyen Van Dung and his colleague Mr. Nguyen Chi Hai, lecturers at the Faculty of National Defense Education, University of Education, jointly delivered a presentation titled “The Application of Artificial Intelligence in National Defense and Security Education Learning Activities.” In their presentation, they proposed four key principles for the effective integration of AI into teaching and learning: (1) Ensuring pedagogical soundness and alignment with educational objectives; (2) Adopting a learner-centered approach and personalizing the learning pathway; (3) Maintaining security, safety, and ethical standards in AI application; (4) Striking a harmonious balance between technological tools and human interaction.

He emphasized the importance of integrating Ho Chi Minh’s ideology and experiential education philosophy in promoting meaningful and practical learning for students.

He presented specific data and outlined shortcomings in the teaching activities of the 2024 - 2025 academic year. His recommendations focused on improving planning, operational organization, maintaining experiential activities, and managing facilities to enhance the overall quality of the course.

Throughout the seminar, faculty members attentively followed each presentation. Numerous questions were raised regarding innovative teaching methods aimed at improving instructional quality and student learning experiences. Many valuable suggestions were also shared, oriented toward the comprehensive development of the NDSE program.

The insights gathered from this seminar will serve as a valuable foundation for the Department of National Defense and Security Education at Van Lang University to develop an actionable roadmap, continuing to innovate and enhance the quality of the course to meet the increasing demands of society and contribute positively to the community and future generations.

News: Anh Hong
Photos: Le Hoang