Our Initiatives | Institute for Higher Education Research and Development

AI-as-a-Tool for Language Learning (AITLL)

Starting in 2026/27, PolyU will launch a compulsory, 3-credit course for all first-year-first-degree students—AI-as-a-Tool for Language Learning (AITLL) —that shifts the focus from placement to empowerment. AITLL will actively engage students in using AI and digital tools to enhance their language proficiency and confidently manage workplace communication tasks. We feature an AI-powered Language and Communication Competency Assessment (LCCA) to provide timely feedback and facilitate personalised study paths through a structured language curriculum. The goal is to encourage students to reach their full potential.

The intended learning outcomes include:

Use, explain and evaluate AI Tools in learning language and communication skills
Apply ethical guidelines in the use of AI
Design and refine effective prompts
Critically assess AI-generated output
Integrate AI into personalised learning

Learn more about the previous call

Call for Proposals for Teaching Development Grant (TDG)

Every triennium, the University Grants Committee (UGC) allocates the Teaching Development and Language Enhancement Grant (TDLEG) to local universities, as a continuing signal of the UGC's recognition of the importance of teaching development.

Supporting PolyU Education 4.0 (E4.0), the latest triennium of the Teaching Development Grant (TDG) has prioritised projects aligned with E4.0’s goals, strengthening PolyU’s capacity for education research, development, and innovative practices. The recent call for has received overwhelming responses of over 100 proposals for AI-powered learning and teaching tools, platforms, curriculum, and student well-being.

Establishment of Education Innovation Committee (EIC)

The Education Innovation Committee (EIC) has been established to enhance the planning and management efficiency of educational innovation grants such as TDG. Led by Professor CAO Jiannong, Vice President (Education) and Director of IHERD, EIC brings together experts in education research and digital/AI technologies to drive innovation. Its key responsibilities include:

Reviewing funding needs and proposing educational innovation initiatives
Deciding on budgets and monitoring high-level funding allocation
Assessing and approving project funding
Monitoring overall progress of funded projects
Reviewing and endorsing University-level reports on funded initiatives
Promoting broader adoption of successful project outcomes

Learn more about DTD

Establishment of Digital Transformation Division (DTD)

The Digital Transformation Division (DTD) has been established to lead and oversee the DT initiatives within the University, ensuring cohesive implementation of PolyU E4.0, from strategy, execution, to stakeholders’ collaboration. DT is the fundamental part of PolyU E4.0 Framework that guides the initiative's design, implementation and delivery of technologies and process platforms that power AI educational offerings.

Expansion of GS Data Hub

The GS DataHub is a foundational digital infrastructure initiative originally developed under the Graduate School at PolyU. It is designed to serve as the technological backbone for the university's educational and management models by unifying disparate IT systems into a secure, interoperable platform. Its primary purpose is to support a wide range of academic and operational needs, including learning and teaching processes, student information management, administration, and data analytics.

As PolyU embarks on the E4.0 journey, the GS DataHub which has already received approval from the President's Executive Committee (PEC) is slated for significant expansion to scale its functions university-wide.

Stay tuned for our next move!