The educational landscape in Hong Kong is undergoing a remarkable transformation as universities embrace the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into teaching and learning. Prompted by rapid advancements in AI technology, institutions are revising their policies and ushering in a new era of innovation in education.
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into academia, students in Hong Kong are now able to leverage AI capabilities to enhance their academic endeavors. Ashley Lam Cheuk-yiu, a second-year marketing student at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), recently utilized an AI tool called ChatGPT to support her in an academic assignment. In mere moments, the AI produced a coherent proposal for an advertising campaign, showcasing its potential as a valuable resource for students.
Previously, most universities in Hong Kong had strict bans on the use of AI. However, these institutions have quickly adapted and developed frameworks to accommodate AI technology. The University of Hong Kong (HKU), for example, recently lifted its ban and now permits students to use AI platforms for coursework and assignments, marking a significant shift in institutional policy.
With the integration of AI into education comes the challenge of identifying plagiarism. AI-driven tools blur the line between authentic student input and AI-generated content, making it difficult to determine originality. Services like Turnitin have made enhancements to detect text produced by AI, but disparities in reported similarity percentages still exist.
Baptist University has taken an innovative approach to address this challenge. Students are allowed to utilize AI models like GPT-3.5, but they are also required to declare the use of generative AI in their assignments, ensuring transparency and enabling educators to distinguish between student-generated and AI-generated content. Students who fail to acknowledge AI usage may be subjected to face-to-face oral examinations.
Educators are not simply bystanders in this AI integration. Many have proactively adjusted their teaching methods to incorporate AI as a supplementary teaching tool. For example, Chung Shan-shan, a senior lecturer at Baptist University, has reimagined her teaching approach by incorporating informal assessments based on current news topics, fostering student engagement and stimulating discussions.
While AI tools have limitations and rely on accessible online information, they still hold potential for educational enhancement. Bruce Li Kar-lok, an accounting senior teaching fellow at Polytechnic University, recognizes that chatbots like ChatGPT may struggle with complex queries, but they can improve students’ logical reasoning and problem-solving skills over time. Encouraging students to compare AI-generated responses and identify discrepancies can become a valuable educational opportunity.
AI tools can also facilitate student interaction and address doubts before classes begin, as noted by PolyU assistant nursing professor Arkers Wong Kwan-ching. Pre-class preparation with AI can lead to more meaningful classroom discussions and a better understanding of complex concepts. To tackle plagiarism, Wong plans to introduce “contextual” questions that AI databases may not be able to address effectively.
For Hong Kong universities, integrating AI into education goes beyond a technological trend. It is a means of equipping students with the skills needed to navigate a future where AI is ubiquitous. By incorporating AI-driven tools, universities aim to prepare students for a dynamic and competitive job market.
Jean Lai Hok-yin, a senior lecturer and researcher at Baptist University, emphasizes the importance of formulating effective prompts for AI tools. The quality of questions significantly influences the quality of AI responses, highlighting the need for thoughtful integration of AI into educational practices.
In conclusion, Hong Kong’s universities are actively embracing AI technology in education, empowering students to harness its potential for assignments and classroom work. While challenges related to plagiarism detection persist, educators are adaptively modifying their pedagogical approaches to incorporate AI as a supplementary teaching aid. The ultimate goal is to equip students with the essential skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world where AI plays a prominent role in various aspects of life and work.
FAQ
1. How are Hong Kong universities integrating artificial intelligence into education?
Hong Kong universities are integrating artificial intelligence into education by allowing students to use AI tools for assignments and coursework. They are also adapting their policies to accommodate AI technology and revising their teaching methods to incorporate AI as a supplementary teaching tool.
2. What are the challenges associated with AI integration in education?
One of the main challenges is the detection of plagiarism when AI-driven tools are involved. Differentiating between authentic student input and AI-generated content can be difficult. Additionally, AI tools have limitations and rely on accessible online information, which can quickly become obsolete.
3. How are universities addressing the issue of plagiarism with AI integration?
Universities like Baptist University in Hong Kong are implementing innovative approaches to tackle plagiarism. Students are required to explicitly declare the use of generative AI in their assignments, ensuring transparency. Educators can then distinguish between student-generated and AI-generated content. Those who fail to acknowledge AI usage may be subject to face-to-face oral examinations.
4. What is the potential of AI tools in education?
Despite the challenges, AI tools have the potential to enhance students’ educational experiences. They can improve students’ logical reasoning and problem-solving skills over time. AI tools also facilitate student interaction, clarify doubts before classes, and can lead to more profound classroom discussions.
5. What is the aim of integrating AI into education in Hong Kong?
Integrating AI into education in Hong Kong aims to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in a future where AI is ubiquitous. It goes beyond a technological trend and prepares students for a dynamic and competitive job market. By incorporating AI-driven tools, universities aim to provide students with the competencies needed to navigate an ever-evolving world.