The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is leading the charge in incorporating generative AI technologies like ChatGPT into its lesson plans in anticipation of how it will revolutionize the classroom. It is determined to embrace and integrate new generative AI applications into the curriculum and has allocated at least US$10 million in support for professors to develop curriculums related to the technology.
The HKUST Centre for Education Innovation (CEI) seeks to guide faculty members in using new and innovating teaching methods to effectively leverage AI technologies in the classroom. Sean McMinn, the director of the CEI, stresses the importance of student awareness and understanding of AI advancements, as they are already becoming a big part of the workforce. To start, HKUST has allowed professors to create open guidelines for the use of the technology within their classrooms.
The use of AI technology has enabled students to create case studies, conduct preliminary research, or personalize their own quizzes and self-assessments. However, the technology’s capability goes beyond that, with the emergence of Microsoft 365 Copilot. Copilot will be integrated in everyday applications such as Excel, Word and Microsoft Teams, allowing for a more automated workflow which will help boost productivity and senior lecturer Joon Nak Choi asserts that this will support innovation in higher education.
Generative AI can help students quickly summarise and explain complex topics, but teacher Dr Ben Yui Bun Chan stresses that students should be aware of the tech’s limitations and learn to work with it collaboratively rather than rely on it too much. As with anything new, there are potential risks involved and the University of Hong Kong (HKU) first banned ChatGPT initially before giving its staff permission to use it under new regulations. Similarly, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) while allowing the use of generative AI, students have been asked to seek permission from their tutors and reminded that submitting assignments which are written with the help of the technology will lead to instances of plagiarism.
Despite the risks and challenges, AI has already been beneficial in the education sector and Microsoft’s work trend report released this week where 69% of businesses in Hong Kong expressed their worries on AI replacing their current job roles. Yet, unsurprisingly, 83% of Hong Kong’s respondents agreed that they would utilize the technology if it could reduce their workload.
Overall, AI technology is going to demand innovation in the educational environment and a resetting of long-held mindsets, as educators guide students in how to use it responsibly and ethically.
The company mentioned in this article is Microsoft. It is an American multinational technology company that was founded in 1975 and has become one of the largest software corporations in the world. Microsoft’s products include Windows, server products, Office, Skype, Surface, Xbox, and more. Microsoft is also known for investing in AI initiatives and its 365 Copilot platform, which can help boost productivity.
The person mentioned in this article is Sean McMinn, the director of the HKUST Centre for Education Innovation (CEI). He has been with the CEI since 2019 and is responsible for the successful implementation of innovative teaching methods. He insists on students building a great understanding of AI and has been influential in pushing HKUST to allocate funds towards the development of generative AI curriculums. Additionally, McMinn is a strong advocate for collective works and collaboration with AI technology.
