The University of Hong Kong (HKU) hosted the inaugural Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence (AI) Educational Expo in its Main Library, supported by the UGC Inter-Institutional Collaborative Activities Scheme for the Fund for Innovative Technology in Education (FITE). The Expo aimed to raise awareness of AI technologies and literacy, engaging both higher education professionals and the general public. It attracted over 700 registrants, including 30 participants, comprising university teachers and students from public and private institutions, as well as school principals, teachers, and students from Hong Kong.
The Expo also featured the launch of the new book co-authored by Professor Cecilia Chan and Mr Tom Colloton, titled "Generative AI in Higher Education: The ChatGPT Effect". The book is considered an essential read for educators, students, and scholars who are keen to understand the broader societal implications of GenAI and its transformative role in pedagogy and research. Professor Chan is the Director of the Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre (TALIC) at HKU and a Professor in the Faculty of Education. She has a dual discipline expertise in engineering and education.
Professor James Tang, Secretary General of the University Grants Committee, commended the event in his opening speech as an outstanding example of the university's dedication to promoting excellence in teaching and fostering the growth of our youth, especially during a period when challenges arise from transformative technologies.
"As educators we have a responsibility to not only embrace these transformative technologies but also to incorporate our students the values to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and ethically by ensuring that technological advancement serves the betterment of our society", said Professor Tang. He congratulated Professor Chan and Mr. Colloton on their new book which he believes is the first book in examining the comprehensive use of generative AI in higher education. "It is going to serve as a very important resource for educators, researchers, and university leaders", Professor Tang remarked.
The Expo was co-hosted by HKU, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Various units within HKU also participated, including the Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre (TALIC), HKU Libraries, the Faculty of Education, Information Technology Services (ITS), the Techno-Entrepreneurship Core, the Consortium for Higher Education Research in Asia (CHERA), and the Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS).
The guests of honor included Professor James Tang, Secretary General of the University Grants Committee; Ms. Flora Ng, Chief Information Officer and University Librarian at HKU; Mr. Tom Colloton; Dr. Wilson Kwok, Assistant IT Director at HKU; Mr. Paul Wang, Director of the Techno-Entrepreneurship Core at HKU; Ms. Kate Lam, Director of Careers and Placement at HKU; Dr. Theresa Kwong, Director of the Centre for Holistic Teaching and Learning at HKBU; Dr. Sean McMinn, Director of the Centre for Education Innovation at HKUST; and Professor Samson Tse, Dean of Student Affairs at HKU.
The book launch event included a stimulating discussion on the use and impact of Generative AI in higher education. The conversation featured Professor Cecilia Chan and esteemed panelists, including Professor Hugo Horta, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Education at HKU; Dr. Julia Chen, Director of the Educational Development Centre at PolyU; Dr. Benjamin Moorhouse, Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Studies at HKBU; and Professor Gary Wong, Director of the Centre for Information Technology in Education at HKU.
