Recap: CTLE professional development event on generative AI in teaching and learning

On 20 Sep, CTLE held a professional development event which focused on generative AI (GenAI)in teaching and learning, featuring relevant research findings and practices. About 80 UM faculty members joined the half-day event and explored the implications of AI in higher education and its effective integration in different learning environments.

The half-day event started with the opening remarks of Prof. Michael Hui, Vice Rector of Academic Affairs of UM. He reminded everyone of the email notification in April 2023; he reiterated that UM students can ‘use ChatGPT or other GenAI systems to enhance their learning’ and that ‘students should be aware that they must be authors of their own work’. He also highlighted the available pedagogical support on integrating AI tools in teaching and learning provided by CTLE. He concluded by reminding colleagues to design learning opportunities which could encourage students to exercise critical and analytical thinking skills. (Watch Video)

Prof. Cecilia Chan, director of TALIC of The University of Hong Kong, delivered a keynote presentation entitled “Being Future Ready: A Deep Dive into AI Literacy and Policy in Education”. She introduced various AI tools and illustrated how AI could benefit teaching and learning in different aspects. She emphasized that AI literacy was necessary for both students and teachers in today’s rapidly evolving digital era: students need AI literacy to enhance their learning and future career. She outlined the components of AI literacy, including understanding AI concepts, applications, separating AI hype and reality, AI safety and security, and responsible use of AI. In addition, she analyzed the challenges of AI in education, including over-reliance on AI, which would reduce critical thinking and creativity. Through sharing HKU’s practices of integrating AI in education, including developing AI policies and providing various support, Prof. Chan talked about the importance of assessment redesign. She concluded by encouraging participants to exercise our imagination and be future-ready in the face of AI technology, whether we see it as a game-changer or pandora’s box. (Watch Video) (Download Slides)

The programme continued with a faculty panel moderated by Prof. Katrine Wong, director of CTLE, who led a discussion with panelists from different faculties, namely, Prof. Derek Wong (FST), Prof. Frank Gong (FED) and Mr. Kerrin Burnell (FAH-ELC). The panel shared a few talking points, including faculty members’ observations of students’ learning behaviors and concerns in an AI-infused learning environment. Speakers shared tips and strategies of assessment design and re-design. With input from audience members, this session finished on a collective note that both teachers and students would like to be better prepared for and supported in teaching and learning in the age of GenAI. (Watch Video)

The event concluded with a technology session by Dr. Chris Fulton (CTLE). He shared that AI had inspired teachers. He emphasized the benefits of redesigning assessment activities as well as the significance of policies on academic integrity. He also gave an overview of AI tools like ChatGPT, Bing Chat, Claude AI, Questgen, Adobe Express and Turnitin’s AI writing detector and discussed how they could potentially enhance teaching and learning. (Watch Video) (Download Slides)