Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming education, prompting educators to explore its most effective applications in teaching and learning. In response, PolyU hosted the International Summit on the Use of AI in Learning and Teaching Languages and Other Subjects (AIinLT Summit) in July. The event brought together leading scholars, educators, and researchers from around the world to discuss how AI is revolutionising language education and beyond.

The four-day AIinLT Summit was organised by PolyU’s Department of English and Communication in collaboration with the Education Bureau of the HKSAR, the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR), and Hong Kong Education City (EdCity). On the first day, an opening ceremony was held, followed by the first keynote speech and a panel discussion, attracting nearly 1,000 attendees.

Dr Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government, officiated the opening ceremony alongside Professor Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President; Dr Chan Wong Lai-kuen, Chairperson of SCOLAR; and Mr Armstrong Lee, Chairman of EdCity.

Professor Teng mentioned PolyU’s strong commitment to advancing AI in education, noting the University’s leadership in introducing AI education for undergraduates in 2022 as well as the recent establishment of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence, and the Language Education Institute. He expressed hope that the Summit would foster meaningful discussions and collaborations to reshape AI in education.

Dr Choi emphasised the crucial role of AI in shaping the future of education and highlighted the importance of responsibility to ensure AI enhances knowledge, accessibility, and educational opportunities.

The Summit featured keynote speeches from international scholars and experts, including Professor Victor Lee from Stanford University, who discussed the transformative applications of AI in teaching and learning, as well as strategies for promoting AI literacy. A panel discussion on the impacts and challenges of using generative AI in specific subjects was also held, with contributions from Dr Julia Chen, Director of the PolyU Educational Development Centre, and other speakers.

Dr Julia Chen (1st from right) joined other speakers for an in-depth discussion session.

Various parallel sessions and workshops provided educators with practical solutions for integrating AI into classrooms, enhancing engagement, and personalising learning experiences. A technology showcase highlighted cutting-edge AI innovations from Hong Kong, the Mainland, and beyond, giving attendees the opportunity to network with developers and experience the latest educational technologies first-hand.