HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – August 3, 2023 – The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has announced its commitment to integrating next-generation artificial intelligence technology, GenAI, into its teaching and learning environment from of the 2023-24 academic year.
(Left to right) Ms. Flora Ng, Professor Pauline Chiu, Professor Ian Holliday and Professor Cecilia Chan
In June, the University Senate approved a comprehensive policy for the use of GenAI in teaching and learning. This incorporation of GenAI will make it the fifth literacies for HKU students, alongside the current four literacies of oral, written, visual and digital communication, under HKU’s Communication Intensive Course (CiC) initiative.
For the past few months, HKU has offered free access to ChatGPT and other generative AI tools for educators. Starting with this new semester in September, a wide range of GenAI tools such as Microsoft OpenAI and Dall-E will be provided free of charge to all teachers and students for teaching and learning purposes. Online training and courses and other resources will be provided to ensure the effective use of these tools.
“HKU embraces GenAI and recognizes AI proficiency as essential to teaching and learning. Our goal is to enable our teachers and students to become not only AI literates, but also leaders in harnessing the vast potential of GenAI for the benefit of humanity,” said Professor Holliday. , who previously led the working group responsible for formulating the guidance document. He will chair a new GenAI User Advisory Committee to oversee the integration of GenAI into teaching and learning, and determine which GenAI tools should be integrated and how they can best support student learning.
Under the new policy, teachers are encouraged to optimize student learning with GenAI, including designing creative, engaging, and innovative T&L activities; foster analytical thinking; develop critical research skills; create content adapted to everyone’s needs and interests, etc.
In order to maintain the highest standards of GenAI integration, periodic evaluations involving multiple stakeholders, such as teachers, students, and IT administrators, will be conducted. These assessments will inform future strategies and tactics to address emerging challenges.
Teachers are encouraged to adopt GenAI in assessment and design mechanisms to assess student achievement authentically and fairly. The goal is to ensure the responsible and effective use of GenAI tools and to maintain the highest level of academic integrity.
To address the challenges posed by GenAI on assessments of student work, teachers must clearly communicate expectations and provide guidance on appropriate reporting and citation of GenAI tools used in course assignments and assignments. Alternative assessment methods will be encouraged, encouraging students to use GenAI tools in their submitted work. Examples include device-free exams, oral exams, live class work such as demonstrations and presentations, and student peer assessments.
Additional resources for students and staff in need of AI support, including the AI Clinic, the AI in Education website, and a five-week online self-paced module , will serve as valuable sources of information and guidance on the responsible use of AI.
In addition, HKU received funding of HK$15.7 million under UGC’s inaugural Fund for Innovative Technologies in Education (FITE). The funding will be used to improve the use of GenAI technology in various disciplines.
The University also plans to form alliances with elite universities around the world to jointly explore GenAI’s potential and address challenges.
“By strengthening critical engagement with GenAI, we aim to elevate teaching and learning at the University to new heights of academic excellence.” said Professor Holliday.
For the online press release and photos, please visit:
http://www.hku.hk/press/news_detail_26434.html
Hashtag: #HKU
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