Ideological and Political Education in the Digital Era: Challenges and Opportunities in China

The digital era has profoundly reshaped educational practices worldwide, including the field of ideological and political education (IPE) in China. Universities increasingly employ online platforms, social media, and artificial intelligence to disseminate Marxist theory and socialist core values. This review examines how digitalization is transforming IPE, highlighting both expanded opportunities for engagement and emerging challenges. Drawing on literature published between 2019 and 2025, the study adopts a theoretical review approach informed by constructivist learning theory, Marxist pedagogical principles, and media ecology. Findings show that digital technologies—such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), specialized learning applications, and AI-supported personalized systems—have broadened access to ideological content and improved student motivation and learning outcomes in political theory courses. Innovative pedagogical models, including blended learning, flipped classrooms, and game-based learning, further promote active participation and critical thinking. However, significant challenges remain. The digital divide between urban and rural regions continues to produce unequal access to technological resources and digital literacy. Additionally, the overwhelming presence of online information and entertainment risks “ideological dilution,” while educators face mounting pressure to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies without adequate training. Overall, IPE in China stands at a pivotal moment. Digitalization offers powerful opportunities to enrich, modernize, and personalize ideological education, but realizing these benefits requires targeted investment in infrastructure, teacher professional development, and content governance. With strategic planning, the digital transformation of IPE can strengthen students’ ideological understanding and civic competence, ensuring its continued relevance in the new era.