Title: Using AI in Hong Kong Classrooms: Balancing the Benefits and Limitations
In Hong Kong, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms has sparked both excitement and caution among students and teachers. While AI tools like ChatGPT can enhance language and history lessons, educators emphasize the importance of maintaining a human touch to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.
At Yu Chun Keung Memorial College in Kowloon, teacher Joanne Ho Kit-ying was eager to introduce ChatGPT to her Form Five Chinese language class. She wanted her students to analyze a short story and use ChatGPT to predict the boyfriend’s reaction when the protagonist reveals her unique occupation. Ho aimed to foster critical thinking skills and encourage students to evaluate and interpret the responses generated by AI.
Since ChatGPT is capable of providing human-like answers and generating essays within minutes, teachers like Ho have a valuable tool for classroom discussions. However, Ho also emphasizes the importance of identifying potential plagiarism as AI-generated content lacks the emotional depth and personal touch that genuinely reflects students’ writing.
While students like Cheung Sze-man appreciate the use of AI in class, they also acknowledge its limitations. Cheung discovered that ChatGPT’s explanations for a debate topic were insufficient and lacked examples, highlighting the need for human input and guidance to fully grasp complex subjects.
History teacher Li Kwan-wai has found practical applications for ChatGPT in his classroom as well. By using the tool to organize historical events and practice answering questions, students can compare their own answers with those generated by AI. Li emphasizes that this process enables students to address the shortcomings of the chatbot and better understand scoring requirements and different question types.
Students appreciate the human touch provided by their teachers, whose emotional connection, up-to-date knowledge, and diverse perspectives add depth to their learning experience. While ChatGPT relies on digitized sources up to 2021, teachers provide current information and guide students to think critically from different angles.
Educational experts support the integration of ChatGPT into classrooms, emphasizing the value of learner-machine interaction in promoting critical thinking and stimulating discussions. However, they advise teachers to guide conversations and deepen students’ understanding to counter potential bias and incorrect information from AI.
To ensure equal access to AI technology, schools like Yu Chun Keung Memorial College have distributed tablet computers to students. This helps bridge the digital divide and ensures that economic or social barriers do not limit students’ access to AI tools.
Principal Yeung Hok-hoi commends the improvement in English language learning through the use of AI at his school. Teachers integrate material with ChatGPT to enhance students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The AI tool generates test papers for each aspect, allowing students to deepen their vocabulary and memory through continuous exposure.
While AI offers the advantage of saving time, experienced English language teacher Denise Chiu Ka-yun reminds educators that AI is not a substitute for building students’ confidence and creating a supportive learning environment.
In conclusion, the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT in Hong Kong classrooms has both benefits and limitations. While it enhances lessons and stimulates critical thinking, students and teachers acknowledge the need for human interaction and guidance to fully grasp complex concepts. Striking a balance between technology and the human touch allows for a well-rounded and effective educational experience.
