2023 Online Winter School: Undergraduates of ZJU Participated in the Online Winter School of SPbPU

From January 16 to February 24, 2023, the International Polytechnic Winter School 2023 of Peter the Great University of Technology in St. Petersburg, which is organized by the School of Physics of Zhejiang University, has been successfully held. 42 students from 10 different departments of Zhejiang University participated in the 5 courses of the online exchange, which were rich in content and covered a wide range of fields, and the students gained a lot of rewards and a different cultural and learning experience.

1. Dig into the foundation of AI

The course Machine Learning: Theory and Application and Artificial Intelligence for All introduced the relevant knowledge of machine learning to the students. Students learned machine learning workflows, including data preprocessing, algorithm training, prediction, and re-optimization. Students have also mastered some machine learning algorithms and had a preliminary understanding of neural network algorithms. This course includes lectures and workshops. In the lecture part, the teacher led the students to review the development history of machine learning and introduced the main knowledge of machine learning algorithm. In the workshop, students learn python practices of the python language and machine learning algorithms. This course mainly introduces the supervised learning support vector machine algorithm, K proximity algorithm and decision tree algorithm in machine learning algorithms. Unsupervised learning clustering K-means algorithm, hierarchical algorithm, dimensionality reduction principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm, etc. The studentsgained a deeper understanding of machine learning, which stimulated their interest in further learning. Although two weeks of study time was very short, but the students gain and progress was huge.

2. Satellite within easy reach

The course Space Technologies: fundamentals leads students to the mysteries and technologies of space in a well-planned way, starting from the most basic cosmological principles, to laser technology, radio communication frequency and criteria, then to multiple aspects about the design of nanosatellites. During the two-week course, excellent lecturers delivered wonderful lectures, which enable students to appreciate the rapid development of modern space technology online and have a really intimate interaction with it. At the end of the course, all the students presented the work of their satellite designs. Through this practice, everyone broadened their horizons and enhanced their cooperation and communication skills. This is definitely a journey more than rewarding.

3. The charm of Russian language and more

‘Intensive Russian language & culture’ is mainly divided into two parts: language and culture. The focus of the language learning course is oral communication and listening. The teacher led the students to talk about daily life, hobbies, Spring Festival customs, tourism and other topics. In the process of talking, the professor Irina Baranova focused on correcting grammatical errors, improving the accuracy of spoken expression, with the atmosphere in class relaxing and pleasant. In the Russian culture course, the teacher Tatiana Kovalenko first introduced the national conditions of Russia and the basic condition of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University to the students, and showed a variety of exquisite Russian folk crafts. She also led the students to visit the campus online, visit St. Petersburg, and appreciate the charm of the Hermitage Museum. Starting from <The Tale of Igor’s Campaign>, professor Pavel Yurin introduced the historical development of Russian literature, and finally showed the students many delicious Russian delicacies. This course not only improved the students' oral Russian communication skills and expanded their Russian vocabulary, but also greatly helped the students gain a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of Russian culture and broadened their horizons.

4. Cultural bridge and commercial link

Seek common, blend in cultures（Cross Cultural Communications Skills）

In the Marketing and consumer behavior module, the teacher introduced the most basic definition, guided students to think about the meaning of marketing and consumer behavior in real life, and further enhanced the understanding of the concept through introducing the development of the Russian market. In the process of explanation, the teacher showed the whole process of market analysis in detail from the three steps of Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning. The interesting and clear structure demonstration made the obscure and dull knowledge lively. The students also mastered the relevant skills in a relaxed and happy atmosphere. In the final course presentation session, the students put what they have learned into practice and completed the task of product analysis excellently. The combination of learning knowledge and cooperative practice makes this learning experience more unique and meaningful.

In Research and Cultural Communications Skills module, the teacher introduced the students Culture Onion Model based on Geert Hofstede’s approach and six dimensional culture model, let the students understand the basic method of analyzing culture. Also, the teacher assigned a group assignment on Introducing the Cultures of Different Countries to let the students have a deep understanding of the cultures of different countries. In the next few days of study, the teacher introduced the writing format of written apology letters, inquiry letters and invitation letters, etc. Then, the teacher assigned 8 writing assignments, so that the students got familiar with the writing methods of different articles through practical practice.

In the course of E-commerce, the teacher first explained the concept of e-commerce, then took the students to learn the classification and structure of online stores, introduced the software needed in the process of establishing stores with online store automation, and then introduced the services carried out by online stores. The students studied the comparison of online showcase of products with traditional trade, and analyzed the economic benefits, restrictions and development stages of e-commerce. Finally, the teacher discussed with the students what they need to do to start the e-commerce business. In the final presentation, different groups analyzed the target audience and online showcase of their selected products, and the teacher commented on the students' ideas. In just two days of the course, after the teacher's step-by-step guidance and detailed explanation, students have a preliminary understanding of e-commerce and understand how to display their products online, which can be said to have benefitted a lot.

This was a precious opportunity for all the participants to learn knowledge and make valuable friendship. Although all the lectures were presented via screen, the essence of every course never failed to get across and interactions undoubtedly activated students’ enthusiasm. It is believed that this learning experience will become a valuable experience for the students on the way of learning and a precious spiritual wealth on the way of life. We also hope that this exchange activity can inspire students to forge ahead, create brilliance, and show the world with the demeanor of Zhejiang University!