The rise of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI), which includes technologies such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek, has sparked significant global discussion. To gain an in-depth understanding of the potential application of GAI technologies in education, Lingnan University’s Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) organised its annual Inno-GBA Seminar: Revolutionising Education with Generative Technologies on campus today, 8 April. The series, held in a hybrid mode, brought together leading artificial intelligence (AI) scholars from the Greater Bay Area (GBA) as guest speakers to analyse how AI can best stimulate innovation in teaching, and improve students' academic performance from real-life case studies. The events included weekly sessions of the “Global InnovateEd Webinars” held from 18 March to 1 April, where members of eight UGC-funded universities’ faculty and staff were invited to participate, and addressed an audience of over 600.
The InnoGBA event at Lingnan University attracted government officials and industry leaders, underscoring its regional importance and cooperation. Notable attendees included the Division Chief of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government, Legislative Council members, District Councillors, board member of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, and Chairman of the Fire Safety Committee. This seminar plays a vital role in driving community progress and development in Hong Kong and the GBA.
Prof Xin Yao, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and Tong Tin Sun Chair Professor of Machine Learning at Lingnan University, stressed the increased impact of AI on the education sector, pointing out that AI improves lecture delivery, student learning assessment, and personalised education, surpassing traditional tools like PowerPoint and Word, and assisting knowledge acquisition, reasoning, and insights. This transformation necessitates a re-evaluation of thought processes and research nature and scope in this age of AI to fully harness its potential while ensuring responsible and equitable use.
Prof Yao explained, “GAI tools can complement teaching and learning by helping educators to provide diversified teaching experiences and possibilities to meet the needs of different learners, such as the ability to quickly consolidate content into different levels of learning, which greatly reduces teachers’ preparation time. In addition, GAI tools handle basic and repetitive tasks, allowing teachers and students to focus more on higher-order thinking and creativity.”
He added, “In the current information-rich digital age, the role of higher education practitioners is transforming from being knowledge transmitters to guiding students in critical thinking and fostering innovation. Taking Lingnan as an example, we have integrated AI into different curricula and teaching strategies, and equipped students with critical thinking and analytical skills in generative content. This approach aims to nurture a new generation of arts and sciences professionals in digital literacy, and enable them to contribute to society.”
The seminar also invited three well-known AI scholars from the GBA as guest speakers on a range of practices and case studies on GAI tools in education.
Prof Li Shengbing, Dean of the School of Education at South China Normal University, discussed the importance of AI for educators and how to effectively integrate AI with teaching practices. In his presentation on “Creating AI Literacy: Preparing Educators for the Future Classroom”, he emphasised that the AI literacy of university teachers is particularly important, but faces multiple challenges. According to the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Education Framework, future teachers are expected to possess competencies in four dimensions: foundational cognition, teaching innovation, ethical responsibility, and continuous development. Such expertise must include understanding AI technology principles, using the relevant tools proficiently, constructing a teacher-AI-student triad teaching model, and ensuring data privacy and ethical compliance.
Prof Li added that to advance teachers' AI literacy, “A three-phase training pathway should be adopted: awareness, enlightenment, deep integration, and leadership in innovation, emphasising subject differences, technological transparency, and ethical foresight. South China Normal University enhances teachers' capabilities in intelligent educational environments through a series of general education courses, and by applying critical thinking in order to promote further integration of AI technology and education. Their experience provides valuable references and practical pathways for future teachers' AI literacy.”
Prof Cai Xinyuan, Dean of Design School at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, delivered a keynote speech titled “After the Dawn: Problems and Responses to Creative Education in AI”, which focused on the profound impact of AI technology on art and design education. With the rapid development of AI, creative education faces a radical transformation.
Prof Cai analysed this change from three perspectives: First, he reviewed the applications of AI in artistic creation and teaching, addressing its potential to enhance efficiency and expand creative thinking. Second, he looked at the structural issues that AI brings to creative education, such as the diminishing originality of students and the shifting roles of teachers. Finally, he proposed systematic strategies, including redesigning the curriculum, developing AI ethics awareness, and retraining teachers. This presentation aimed at stimulating reflection within the educational community on the future of creative education, and promoting a fresh educational model that embraces technology while upholding humanistic values.
Prof Irwin King, Professor of the Department of Computer Science & Engineering and Director of the Centre for eLearning Innovation and Technology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, spoke on “AI Assessment for Education with Case Studies”, explaining the practical applications of AI and GAI tools in education, and showing how GAI tools can effectively strengthen the learning experience. He said that education assessment plays a pivotal role in the teaching and learning process, serving as a crucial tool to evaluate learners’ comprehension and improve educational outcomes. By conducting assessments, educators gain valuable insights into individual students’ strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to develop targeted instructional strategies that cater to diverse learning preferences.
Prof King also examined the integration of AI in educational assessments, which presents both opportunities and challenges, and then described the latest tools for real-time interview assessments, distinguishing between human-generated and AI-generated texts, as well as AI-driven writing assessment tools. These case studies demonstrate how AI can enrich learning outcomes while addressing fairness, transparency, and academic integrity.
