2024 Media Reception: ‘AI Empowering Education’

14 Nov 2024

On 13 November, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) hosted the 2024 Communications & Media Reception, themed “AI Empowering Education: Exploring a New Chapter in Education”.

The event featured speakers and attendees from various backgrounds, including journalists, academics, students, and industry partners. Through presentations and discussions, the participants explored the impact of AI on education and how XJTLU embraces this transformative technology.

Education + AI

In his opening speech, Dr Yimin Ding, Vice President of XJTLU, mentioned that XJTLU launched the “Education+AI” project in March 2024 in response to the growing influence of AI.

“Through this project, we aim to integrate AI into teaching, research, and management to create a more flexible, interactive, and personalised learning experience,” he said.

Dr Yimin Ding

Professor Youmin Xi, Executive President of XJTLU, delivered a keynote speech, emphasising the role of AI in revolutionising education.

Professor Youmin Xi

“In the future, humans will have ‘human wisdom’, ‘digital wisdom’ supported by AI, and a ‘Syntegrative wisdom’ that results from their interaction. By standing on the shoulders of AI and various technologies to attain higher-level wisdom, human beings can unleash endless possibilities,” he said.

Professor Qiuling Chao, Vice President for Student Affairs and Information at XJTLU, introduced XJTLU’s internalisation strategy, another key university-level project this academic year.

Professor Qiuling Chao

“Through internationalisation, we aim to create a global academic network for scientific collaboration, provide students from diverse backgrounds with a cross-cultural mindset, and prepare them for international careers,” she said.

Dr Xin Bi

Dr Xin Bi, Chief Officer of Data and Director of the Centre for Knowledge and Information, presented a report on AI empowering educational development and digital transformation, outlining the University’s approach to AI integration.

“XJTLU is actively exploring AI in education, research, and administration. We have selected 100 modules for AI enhancement, spanning over 80% of the Schools and Departments. Over the next three years, ‘Education + AI’ will remain a key strategy for the University,” he says.

Helen Beech

Teaching in the digital age

The event also invited School representatives to share their practices, including Helen Beech, Dean of the School of Languages; Dr Xiangyun Lu, Assistant Professor at International Business School Suzhou; and Yuxuan Zhang, a Year Four student at the School of AI and Advanced Computing.

Beech said educators should be mindful of maintaining a balance between AI and human-led teaching.

“We continue to encourage the use of educational technology, but we also believe in preserving traditional teaching methods. For instance, some classes may include ‘technology-free’ periods.

“This balance ensures that while AI enhances learning and efficiency, it does not replace the essential human-to-human interaction that is fundamental to education,” she said.

Dr Xiangyun Lu

Dr Lu introduced how she has integrated AI into teaching programming and how the Department of Accounting reforms courses to adapt to new trends. Following that, Zhang shared how he uses AI tools to enhance learning, problem-solving, and innovation.

Yuxuan Zhang

At the end of the event, Tiantian Xu, Deputy Head of University Marketing and Communications, introduced the key principles of the XJTLU Strategic Branding Plan.

“Our educational exploration evolves, but what remains unchanged is the core of our brand – to provide XJTLU with solutions for future education and influence the educational reform in China and the world,” she said.

Tiantian Xu

Professor Zhoulin Ruan, Vice President of Academic Affairs, awarded Communication Contribution Awards and New Media Alliance Outstanding Account Awards to five Schools and five WeChat accounts respectively.