The recent development of artificial intelligence (AI) has once again sparked interest, with society generally believing that AI will bring significant changes to the world. With its ability to search, integrate, and analyze data, AI can be a major support for humanity and is an inevitable trend for the future. Therefore, society needs to cultivate future leaders who understand and can effectively utilize AI, with academia playing a crucial role. As early as 2018, Hong Kong Education City held events and competitions related to AI, encouraging students to use AI for data analysis and enhancing their problem-solving and machine learning skills.
One such competition was the " AI Challenge – Weather Forecasting Competition," where students from Tung Wah Group of Hospitals TWGHs Mrs. Wu York Yu Memorial College demonstrated exceptional skills in programming, algorithm improvement, and data analysis, ultimately winning the championship. Four years later, with rapid technological advancements, how has AI education changed? In this issue of the Education City newsletter, Mr. Wong Wai Keung, the STEM coordinator at the school, shares the evolution and experience of AI education at his institution.
(Mr. Wong Wai Keung utilizing technology for blended learning)
Building a Strong Programming Foundation in Junior Secondary
Mr. Wong stated that the school incorporates programming and microcomputer elements into the junior secondary curriculum to develop students' understanding and skills in programming. The school encourages collaboration between Computer Science and Design & Applied Technology subjects, offering courses that emphasize both programming and design, integrating tools like Micro:bit and Arduino, and incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) concepts with smart home projects to cultivate students' logical and design thinking. Mr. Wong believes that these learning approaches lay a solid foundation for students, aiding them in understanding more complex programming and advanced concepts like AI in the future. In the senior secondary curriculum, the school offers a module on software development within the Information and Communication Technology course.
(Students using microcomputers for smart home design)
As for AI courses, the school has not yet incorporated them into the regular curriculum, primarily organizing them as extracurricular activities. Mr. Wong mentioned that the school has two main focuses: first, training students with the goal of participating in competitions. Teachers encourage and recommend students to join relevant contests and arrange training for them; second, conducting extracurricular activities to enhance students' knowledge and interest. For instance, the school's computer club purchased a robot, allowing students to learn how to program it during club activities. They can also interact with visiting primary school students during open days, thereby increasing their understanding and interest in programming and AI through practical experiences.
(Students using programming skills to control a robot for collaborative sharing during morning assembly)
Mr. Wong identified two main challenges in teaching AI. First, understanding, modifying, and creating AI requires a high level of logical thinking from students, which necessitates multidisciplinary collaboration and long-term training. Therefore, learning about AI cannot be achieved overnight; it requires time and practice. Additionally, sparking students' interest in AI is also challenging. Given their young age, students might not see immediate results from their learning efforts, which could lead to a loss of interest. Mr. Wong believes that teachers should allow students to experience the applications of AI in daily life to tangibly demonstrate its impact and utility, thereby increasing students' interest and curiosity.
AI Enhancing Teaching and Assessment Efficiency
When asked about the impact of AI on teaching and assessment, Mr. Wong expressed optimism. He views AI as a valuable tool for academia, capable of changing the rules of teaching and assessment.
In the "learning" aspect, traditionally, students acquired knowledge from teachers and could seek help online for difficult problems. However, teachers often struggle to cater to all students' needs, and online answers sometimes miss the mark. Now, thanks to technological advancements, AI has become a reliable assistant for students. They can ask questions anytime and anywhere, achieving "learning without boundaries or time limits." Moreover, since students have different questions, AI can respond accordingly to meet the diverse needs of learners.
In the "teaching" aspect, the efficiency of creating teaching materials has significantly improved. Mr. Wong shared that previously, it took him one to two hours to create a teaching resource, but now, with AI's assistance in data analysis and material selection, he can quickly generate a draft in just ten to twenty minutes, requiring only minor edits to become a complete resource. Teachers can also customize diverse materials for different students, benefiting their learning experiences. Mr. Wong noted the shift in teachers' roles, as AI advancements allow teachers to become guides, with AI serving as a 24/7 tutor for students.
Regarding "assessment," AI has strengthened "Assessment for Learning." Teachers can utilize AI to create assessments more efficiently, increasing the opportunities for students to be evaluated, which allows educators to closely monitor student performance and make necessary instructional adjustments. Simultaneously, students can leverage AI to generate their own practice questions, enhancing their opportunities for practice and assessment. Mr. Wong emphasized the importance of "learning diversity," suggesting that students who are lagging can use AI assistance to address their weaknesses and improve their learning.
Finally, Mr. Wong reminded that while AI is a beneficial learning tool for students, they must first acquire foundational knowledge to effectively utilize AI for learning outcomes.
The education sector must keep pace with the times, adopting innovative technologies like AI to enhance teaching and assessment effectiveness. Additionally, educators bear the responsibility of nurturing future talents. Therefore, it is essential to design forward-looking curricula that enable students to learn important future skills early, preparing them for an ever-changing era. Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Mrs. Wu Yat Wa Memorial College is one such example, having begun to cultivate students' understanding and application of AI several years ago, broadening their horizons and opportunities. This year, Hong Kong Education City will co-host the Master Code 2022/23 with Microsoft, themed "Envisage the Climate Blueprint with AI," aiming to increase students' awareness of climate change and strengthen teachers' and students' understanding of data-driven decision-making, AI, and machine learning. Teachers can encourage interested students to register and explore innovative technology together.