At the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) in Guangzhou, students can now experience lectures on game theory through virtual reality (VR) headsets, delivered by an AI-generated Albert Einstein. This innovative approach is part of a project led by Professor Pan Hui and his research team, aiming to transform traditional classroom settings.
The project includes not only an AI-generated Einstein but also mathematician and Nobel laureate John Nash, alongside Hui himself. In total, ten AI-generated instructors were created using advanced artificial intelligence-generated content (AIGC) tools to enhance student engagement and motivation while diversifying teaching methods.
While Einstein, Nash, and Hui's avatars are based on real individuals, the other seven AI lecturers were uniquely designed from scratch. These avatars were crafted with distinct cultural backgrounds, character traits, and styles, featuring customized appearances, voices, and gestures. They can be presented on screens or through VR headsets, providing a versatile teaching medium.
Under Hui’s leadership, who is the Chair Professor of Computational Media and Arts and Director of the Centre for Metaverse and Computational Creativity at HKUST (Guangzhou), the team utilized multiple AIGC tools. These included Midjourney, ChatGPT, Bing, and their own variational 3D full-body generator and motion generation system, which ensures smooth and natural movements of the avatars, thereby enhancing the learning experience.
Hui highlighted the optimistic outlook for integrating AI technologies into education, noting that tools like ChatGPT are paving the way for significant advancements in teaching and learning. He emphasized the growing trend of incorporating AI into classroom teaching and student performance assessments.
