Xu Shang-Chi looked at the middle-aged man in front of him. The man wasn't physically taller than him, but his body was by far wider and more robust. He possessed the typical facial features of a Chinese man - thick eyebrows and big eyes, with a broad forehead and square face, displaying an air of righteousness.
However, his expression was gentle, and he smiled at Xu Shang-Chi, saying, "So, you're young Mr. Xu. I've heard much about you. They tell me you graduated from Tongji University?"
"Yes, indeed," replied Xu Shang-Chi. In that moment, he recalled that his education had taken place in a previous universe; he had no educational credentials in this one. If he admitted to it, wouldn't it be like falsifying his credentials? So, hesitatingly, he added, "I mean, not really... "
"I heard you're from the Civil Engineering department. Is your dean surnamed Ma? I think I met him once when I attended a meeting there," the man asked further.
A slightly surprised Xu Shang-Chi opened his eyes wide, mulling over the memory. He said, "No, our dean's surname is Chen. His name is Chen Jian...."
Before he could finish his statement, the man interrupted with a sudden realization, "Oh, yes, Dean Chen. I totally forgot. He's the dean of the Engineering College. Dean Ma is from the Mathematics College."
He walked over and patted Xu Shang-Chi's back. Dr. Shiller, Chief Zheng and Xu Shang-Chi made their way to a sofa in the guest area, while Riley and Squirrel Girl, who had arrived at the same time, took seats by the window.
As soon as Dr. Shiller was seated, he adjusted his position and addressed Chief Zheng, "Chief Zheng, doubtless, you've seen the results of our Dreamworld educational system's development. What do you think?"
Zhengxian adjusted himself and responded, "Truth is, it's quite stunning. I didn't expect the Dreamland School to be established in such a manner. I originally thought it was a bunch of petty squabbles between mutants, but even New York's young heroes and many magicians are involved."
"It's indeed a great idea, and it's yielded results. In this current situation, it provides a grand opportunity for talented youths to show off their abilities. During times of change, the waves can reveal the heroes among us. Nobody wants to miss such an opportunity."
"Young people are filled with enthusiasm, which is good. But due to inadequate education and inexperience, they can be impetuous, reckless, and even counterproductive. If we keep them in school now, none of them can stay calm. They always feel that they will be left behind by the train of progress if they hesitate."
"Since that's the case, taking advantage of the time in the Dreamworld is indeed a good method. When you first told me about this plan, I was a bit hesitant, because sleep is when people rest. Frequent mental activities in dreams may affect the quality of rest."
Dr. Shiller smiled knowingly and said, "I've already explained this issue in the paper I published earlier. The activity in the human subconscious has a peculiar impact on the conscious mind. The exploration of the subconscious has always been a hot topic because the subconscious does not occupy the bandwidth of the conscious mind, yet it deeply influences it."
"Establishing a school in the Dreamworld is a way of using the subconscious. What is learned in the Dreamland School is not immediately remembered. In fact, when students wake up, they don't even remember what they learned."
"However, when they encounter the same knowledge point in the real world, they will instinctively understand it through the learning process. Even when they have to recite something, it will take 5 to 6 times faster than usual. By doing this, it significantly reduces the time of learning without putting pressure on the conscious mind."
Zhengxian nodded in agreement with the theory. In fact, the SWORD had also tested it and found that like Shiller said, students awaken with only a vague memory of learning in their dreams. The details are unclear, and they don't feel bored or stressed. Some don't even remember dreaming at all.
However, the knowledge they learned in the Dreamworld has changed their subconscious thinking. So, when they encounter the same knowledge or problems in the real world, the trained subconscious guides the conscious mind in remembering and answering with efficiency.
This is not instilling thoughts directly. The process of memory and thinking is still independently carried out by the students. It's only because they have guidance from the subconscious that they have higher efficiency and faster speed.
Zhengxian sighed and said, "If human technology was innovating step by step, we might have enough time to cultivate the necessary technical talents over several generations. But this kind of explosive technological development means we have almost no time to reconstruct the education system."
"Yes, Artificial Intelligence is useful. But, unfortunately, the development of AI technology is not as fast or varied as other technologies. We need AI, but we also need more scientists and tech-xperts."
"Thank you, Dr. Shiller. Education is always considered the foundation of a nation. With social development, new educational pathways are bound to trigger extensive, intense discussions. You have provided us with another feasible path... you are China's forever friend."
Upon hearing this, Xu Shang-Chi was taken aback. He gaped at Dr. Shiller. He thought, 'Has he just received a golden ticket? Is he really that amazing?'