Our Key Initiatives

Starting in 2026/27, PolyU launched 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. 

• 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
  
  

Dedicated committee and task force have been established under the auspices of Vice President (Education) to facilitate the landmark language reform:

• Language Education and Reform Committee (LERC)
  • Produce graduates with significantly better language and communication skills
  • Motivate students through the development of monitoring and assessment mechanisms appropriate for an AI-powered student-centred language and communication learning processes
  • Help transform students into independent learners by offering them an innovative student-centred language and communication learning programme
    
    
• Taskforce for Language and Communication Competency Assessment (TFCA)
  • Design an assessment mechanism to assess the learning progress, and language and communication competence of students
  • Determine whether the assessment would be one-time or continuous throughout students’ study period
  • Decide on the aspects of language and communication skills that should be assessed
  • Explore the method to determine the standard of language and communication competency for graduation
  • Propose the grading mechanism and conduct benchmarking
  • Ensure that advanced technologies, including AI, is embedded in the assessment
  • Conduct validation of the assessment method, process, and standards to ensure reliability, fairness, and alignment with intended learning outcomes

The University Grants Committee (UGC) has endorsed the continuation of Fund for Innovative Technology-in-Education (FITE) for the 2026/27 to 2028/29 academic years (AYs). This fund requires universities to fund projects aligning with the relevant Key Themes, with flexibility for projects strongly relevant to the overarching theme. The principles of Education 4.0 (E4.0) initiative closely resemble the new Key Themes of FITE. There are two categories of projects to be supported: Institutional Projects and projects for Inter-institutional Collaborative Activities (IICAs).

IHERD is calling for proposals under the FITE to support the prioritised areas of E4.0. The aim is to strengthen the University’s capacity for education development, and the adoption of a student-centric approach that integrates learning and teaching activities with AI and smart technologies. To facilitate these efforts, the Education Innovation Committee (EIC) will be responsible for assessing and managing FITE proposals.