News

IHERD hosts XJTLU’s Ms. Angela XIA at AIinLT 2026 to drive dialogue on AI-powered pedagogy and digital transformation

IHERD supported the recent International Summit on the Use of AI in Language Learning and Teaching 2026 (AIinLT 2026) by hosting Ms. Angela XIA, Associate Professor of Practice and Director of the Learning Innovation for Everyone (LIFE) Center at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU). On 23 June, Ms. Xia conducted a highly practical Putonghua-medium workshop at PolyU, specifically tailored for primary and secondary school language educators. Grounded in our E4.0 vision of student-centered, tech-empowered education, her session demonstrated how to strategically weave Generative AI (GenAI) into Project-Based Learning (PBL). Drawing from her rich expertise in bilingual education ecology, she walked participants through a complete PBL lifecycle—from generating driving questions and scaffolding student inquiry to deploying customized AI agents via tools like Coze to serve as specialized language teaching assistants. Beyond the main workshop, Ms. Xia engaged in meaningful knowledge-exchange meetings with PolyU staff to share strategic insights from her extensive experience leading AI teacher training across regional universities and schools. These collaborative sessions allowed our academic and administrative teams to delve deeper into AI literacy frameworks, digital transformation, and the practical challenges of integrating technological scaffolding into language curriculums. By bridging cutting-edge GenAI applications with real-world K-12 and higher education practices, Ms. Xia’s visit significantly enriched our community's understanding of digital transformation, reinforcing IHERD’s ongoing mission to build global educational synergies that actively reshape the future of learning. More on AIinLT 2026: https://events.polyu.edu.hk/aiinlt2026/

Prof. Arthur C. GRAESSER of University of Memphis gives us deep insights on learning through conversations with computer agents in the age of Generative AI

On 23 June, IHERD hosted the cognitive scientist Prof. Arthur C. GRAESSER, Professor at the University of Memphis and Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Oxford for an illuminating session under the IHERD Distinguished Speaker Series. As a pioneer in the learning sciences, Prof. Graesser delivered a presentation titled "Learning through Conversations with Computer Agents in the Era of Generative AI." The event drew an engaged audience eager to explore the intersections of discourse processing, artificial intelligence, and the future of educational technology. The first half of the presentation focused on foundational research regarding computer agents in learning and assessment environments. Prof. Graesser reflected on the development of AutoTutor, an intelligent tutoring architecture designed to help adult learners master STEM subject matters, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. A key highlight was the exploration of "trialogues"—innovative three-party digital conversations where two computer agents (acting as a tutor and a peer student) interact dynamically with a human learner. This work remains highly compatible with the Generalised Intelligent Framework for Tutoring (GIFT) architecture, establishing a structured baseline for how adaptive software can successfully mimick human instruction. Shifting focus to the current technological landscape, the second half of the talk offered vital observations and critical questions regarding the integration of Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. Prof. Graesser highlighted current benchmarks and active research projects exploring how Gen-AI can rapidly scale the development, quality, and interactive depth of conversation-based learning. Aligning perfectly with PolyU’s ongoing Education 4.0 initiatives, the session concluded with a thought-provoking look at the future boundaries, challenges, and immense possibilities of using conversational LLMs for advanced educational assessments.

Prof. YANG Zongkai, a trailblazing pioneer in China’s educational transformation, gives us deep insights on transformation and development of higher education in the age of AI

On 2 June 2026 (Tue), IHERD hosted its Distinguished Speaker Series featuring a trailblazing pioneer in China’s educational transformation, Prof. YANG Zongkai, Senior Professor of Central China Normal University (CCNU), Former President of CCNU, Xidian University and Wuhan University of Technology. The talk deeply explored the structural shifts universities must make to thrive in the era of AI.   The event commenced with opening remarks from Prof. CAO Jiannong, Vice President (Education) and Director of IHERD. Welcoming Prof. Yang, Prof. Cao noted that the talk’s theme perfectly aligns with PolyU’s ongoing momentum toward "Education 4.0." This talk also builds on an established foundation of close institutional exchange. Prof. Yang delivered a keynote speech titled "Transformation and Development of Higher Education in the Age of AI." Drawing from his extensive practical experience in educational digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and smart education research, Prof. Yang shared deep insights focusing on two major dimensions: "How AI shapes new forms of education" and "How universities undergo governance reform for the AI era."  This on-site exchange between Prof. Cao and Prof. Yang captured the golden key behind educational transformation: true upgrading is not achieved simply by installing a few software platforms or adopting a handful of AI tools. Instead, it requires seamlessly connecting the entire chain—from teaching philosophies and curriculum design to learning methodologies, faculty capabilities, and university governance. The talk concluded with a highly dynamic Q&A session. Attending faculty, researchers, and students engaged eagerly with Prof. Yang, raising critical questions about the practical challenges of implementation, ethical AI utilisation, and the future matrix of student evaluation. 

Management Workshop on Educational Reform gathers leadership to prepare for the Education 4.0

In alignment with the University’s strategic direction towards PolyU Education 4.0 (E4.0), the Management Workshop on Educational Reform was held on 1 June 2026 (Mon). The workshop brought together PolyU Senior Management and Academic Leaders, marking a significant step forward in advancing student-centred learning and teaching, underpinned by AI and digital transformation, to better prepare our students with future-ready skills. During the workshop, Prof. Cao Jiannong, Vice President (Education) and Director of IHERD, presented the PolyU E4.0 Blueprint and Roadmap, outlining the University Goals and Actions, as well as Departmental Actions and Performance Expectations. The session also featured a insightful sharing from Department Heads, and a constructive and forward-looking discussion among the leadership on how to translate these university-wide goals into actionable plans and sustained progress across the University. Thank you to all participants for their insights and commitment to shaping the next phase of education transformation at PolyU.

Nobel Laureate Prof. Ferenc KRAUSZ shares insights at PolyU to shape the AI-Powered future during the ISBDAI 2026

The 2026 5th International Symposium on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence: For Education Transformation (ISBDAI 2026) was successfully held on 27 May 2026 (Wed) at PolyU. Co-organised by IHERD and the International Engineering and Technology Institute (IETI), the biannual symposium has been a platform since 2018 for exploring frontier topics in both theoretical and applied aspects of AI and big data. This year’s iteration placed a distinct emphasis on encouraging and supporting research at the intersection of these advanced technologies and modern education, drawing a prestigious lineup of global experts and visionaries. The symposium commenced with an inspiring welcoming address by Prof. CAO Jiannong, Vice President (Education) and Director of IHERD at PolyU, who emphasised that this year’s theme directly aligns with the strategic direction of PolyU Education 4.0 (E4.0) towards advancing student-centered learning and teaching underpinned by AI and digital transformation, while expressing his anticipation for the shared practices of leading global institutions. The opening ceremony also featured a virtual address from Prof. Tshilidzi MARWALA, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. Speaking via a recorded message, Prof. Marwala delivered an inspiring opening speech highlighting that innovation must be accompanied by strong ethics, robust governance and deep interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure its benefits are widely shared across society. A major highlight of the symposium was a distinguished keynote delivered by Prof. Ferenc KRAUSZ, Nobel Laureate in Physics and Director of the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics in Germany. In his presentation, titled "TOWARD AFFORDABLE PREVENTIVE HEALTHCARE: How basic science addresses grand challenges," Prof. Krausz captivated attendees by sharing insights on how advanced, fundamental data-driven science can be translated into tangible benefits for global public well-being and societal resilience. His address underscored the symposium's core theme of leveraging frontier research to address real-world challenges.  Reflecting a strong commitment to academic excellence and societal impact, the conference featured a powerhouse lineup of visionaries who explored diverse facets of AI and Big Data applications, including but not limited to Ir. Daniel LAI, JC GOAI Programme Director and Former Government Chief Information Officer for the HKSAR, outlined strategic pathways for youth AI competency, while Prof. Xueji ZHANG, Former Vice President of Shenzhen University, introduced pioneering advancements in smart wearable biosensors. Furthermore, Prof. M. James C. CRABBLE of Wolfson College, Oxford University, addressed the critical deployment of Big Data in preserving global marine ecosystems, and Dr. Qiang LIU, Vice General Manager of Chaoxing Group, shared corporate insights on the deep integration of generative AI within classroom environments. By bridging the gap between theoretical data science and impactful real-world deployment, ISBDAI 2026 concluded as a landmark event setting a clear benchmark for the future of AI-driven education.   More on ISBDAI 2026: https://www.ieti.net/conf/isbdai/index.html

New education consortium formed to accelerate AI transformation (featured in Wen Wei Po)

Prof. CAO Jiannong, Vice President (Education) and Director of IHERD of PolyU highlighted that three of the university’s 12 regional technology and innovation research institutes are located in Zhejiang (Hangzhou, Shaoxing, and Wenzhou) to drive research commercialisation. To further integrate cutting-edge technology into the classroom, PolyU is actively negotiating with tech giants like Alibaba and Huawei to co-develop an AI education platform powered by their large language model teams. Additionally, Professor Cao revealed that PolyU is spearheading the launch of the International Consortium for Higher Education Transformation and Innovation with AI (ICHETI)—which already have invited over ten leading domestic and overseas institutions such as Zhejiang University and Fudan University. Built on the principles of "Sharing Practice and Co-development" to prevent redundant resources, this Consortium supports PolyU’s vision of a student-centred future where AI acts as a learning partner and teachers serve as navigators, positioning PolyU as a global benchmark for AI-empowered educational transformation.   Online coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202605/23/AP6a10c2c6e4b0b49ad1bc3bc4.html

PolyU pioneers Education4.0 to reshape classrooms through complementary paths AI and Digital Transformation (featured in Wen Wei Po)

At the 2026 World Digital Education Conference, Professor Cao Jiannong, Vice President (Education) and Director of IHERD of PolyU announced the comprehensive rollout of "Education4.0," a student-centred, AI-empowered model designed to deliver personalised learning pathways. The core of this transition lies in a complementary paths of AI and Digital Transformation, which leverages deep data analysis to optimise student management, future academic forecasting, and university admissions. Beyond shifting traditional classroom lecturing to interactive, AI-driven feedback, PolyU is revolutionising its grading methodologies by introducing an AI-enabled scenario-based testing platform that simulates real-world professional environments (such as job interviews) and evaluates students across multiple performance dimensions on a five-tier proficiency scale. To underpin these digital efforts, PolyU has established a Digital Transformation Committee alongside the Institute for Higher Education Research and Development (IHERD) to pioneer a centralised "Digital Data Hub" that breaks down institutional data silos. This robust infrastructure will consolidate fragmented, student-led and faculty-developed tech tools into a unified, open-interface AI agent platform, driving evidence-based decision-making across the entire institution.   Online coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202605/23/AP6a10c2dbe4b0b49ad1bc3bc6.html

PolyU to launch compulsory AI language course as teachers and students keep pace with the times (featured in Wen Wei Po)

In a major overhaul of its language education framework starting in the 2026/27 academic year, PolyU will introduce "AI-as-a-Tool for Language Learning (AITLL)" as a compulsory subject, enabling students to leverage AI to enhance their speaking, writing, and interview skills, after which they can freely choose elective language courses. Professor Cao Jiannong, Vice President (Education) and Director of IHERD of PolyU said that this student-centred shift aims to replace traditional proficiency streaming with autonomous, AI-empowered learning that enhances global competitiveness. Beyond language, Professor Cao highlighted that AI will trace students' step-by-step problem-solving processes to help teachers guide them in project-based, interdisciplinary learning (such as robotics) to become "active creators." To support this transition, PolyU is establishing a specialised teacher AI taskforce to train departmental mentors, encouraging student-led AI societies, and partnering with tech giants like Tencent, Baidu, Alibaba, and Huawei to build a full-stack AI education platform. These initiatives are underpinned by PolyU's structured AI Literacy Learning Framework, which guides students through tool usage, technical exploration, and critical discussions on ethics and methodology to fully master AI's role in society and industry.   Online coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202605/23/AP6a10c2b2e4b0b49ad1bc3bc2.html

Prof. ZHOU Aoying, Professor and Founding Dean at East China Normal University, shares enlightenment from AI and pathway for education DX

IHERD successfully hosted its latest Distinguished Speaker Series seminar on 14 May 2026 (Thur), welcoming a full house of PolyU staff and students. The event featured Prof. ZHOU Aoying, Professor and Founding Dean of the School of Data Science and Engineering at East China Normal University, who delivered a compelling presentation titled "From Internet+ to AI+: Enlightenment from AI and Pathway for Education DX." Prof. Zhou explored the profound societal shift toward a data-driven digital civilisation, positioning data as the fifth productive factor alongside traditional resources like labor and capital. He noted that the current wave of artificial intelligence represents a monumental victory for connectionism and data intelligence, transforming data from a mere byproduct of human activity into a core power source capable of driving comprehensive structural change across all economic and social sectors. Addressing the long-standing "Jobs’ Question" regarding why information technology has historically failed to transform conventional classrooms, Prof. Zhou argued that higher education must break its reliance on borrowed, off-the-shelf commercial technology and instead develop proprietary educational tools. He showcased successful data-driven platforms from his own institution—such as Shuishan Online, Guilan Online, and Shuishan Chinese—to demonstrate how integrated digital frameworks can deliver personalised learning, concluding that while machine intelligence can effectively automate operational tasks, human educators must retain the ultimate agency to direct meaning and inspire students.

PolyU and WUT establish Joint Laboratory for Digital and Intelligent Transformation in 2026 World Digital Education Conference

PolyU and Wuhan University of Technology (WUT) have officially launched the Joint Laboratory for Digital and Intelligent Transformation (共建數智化轉型聯合實驗室合作協議). The cooperation agreement was signed during the closing ceremony of the 2026 World Digital Education Conference (WDEC) in Hangzhou, marking a significant milestone in cross-regional collaboration for AI-driven education. The 2026 WDEC, themed "AI + Education: Transformation, Development and Governance," took place from 11 to 13 May 2026, bringing together global leaders to explore how AI can reshape educational ecosystems. The agreement was signed by Prof. CAO Jiannong, Vice President (Education) and Director of the Institute for Higher Education Research and Development (IHERD) at PolyU, and Prof. LI Zhengying, Vice President of WUT. This partnership formalises a shared commitment to spearheading a paradigm shift in higher education through the integration of artificial intelligence and digital innovation. The newly established Joint Laboratory serves as a cross-regional, inter-university platform designed to empower higher education through AI. By leveraging the academic and technical expertise of both PolyU and WUT, the laboratory will concentrate on key areas such as data-driven governance, digital infrastructure interoperability, digital standards, and cybersecurity. By establishing a robust institutional foundation in data and digital infrastructure, the laboratory will serve as an enabler for AI-enhanced education and smart technologies across higher education systems. Through a collaborative model centred on strategic leadership, joint development, and shared outcomes, the partnership will ensure a sustainable and transformative impact on the global movement toward digital and intelligent higher education.   Media coverage (In Chinese Only): Ta Kung Wen Wei https://www.tkww.hk/epaper/view/newsDetail/2054273064253919232.html