The ninth AI Empowers Education series session was held online on December 17, 2024, centering on developing an in-house generative AI chatbot customization platform to advance teaching and learning practices. The event featured Dr. Simon Wang, Lecturer in English and Innovation Officer at the Language Centre of HKBU, and an editorial board member for English for Specific Purposes. The session brought together educators, students, and researchers eager to explore novel AI applications in educational settings.

Dr. Wang delivering the lecture via online meeting

Dr. Wang presented Bytewise, a generative AI chatbot platform co-developed by the Language Centre and the Department of Computer Science at HKBU. This platform enables educators to create customized system prompts using natural language, guiding chatbots to deliver personalized and interactive learning experiences. During the session, Dr. Wang showcased practical applications of Bytewise, including the generation of tailored tasks and video scripts based on conversations between teachers and experts, which were then utilized to design bespoke learning experiences for students. In an innovative twist, Dr. Wang co-presented the session with his digital twin, an AI-powered version of himself, which seamlessly participated in the discussion. This compelling demonstration of human-AI collaboration highlighted Bytewise’s versatility and underscored the transformative potential of AI in enhancing educator support, fostering engagement, and facilitating real-time interaction in teaching scenarios.

Dr. Wang demonstrating interactions with Bytewise

One of the key features of Bytewise is its ability to systematically organize prompts, providing users with a streamlined and structured approach to engagement. Dr. Wang highlighted how the platform addresses real-world classroom challenges by fostering more interactive and collaborative learning environments. He showcased the platform’s versatility through examples like role-playing simulations and the generation of tailored teaching materials, offering practical solutions for educators and learners.

Dr. Wang showcasing role-play scenarios generated by Bytewise

The session also included discussions on the broader implications of integrating AI into education. Dr. Wang addressed key challenges, such as over-reliance on AI detection tools, the limitations of task generation using large language models, and the importance of embedding feedback loops to improve learning outcomes. He emphasized that AI should be seen not as a replacement for educators but as a collaborative partner capable of enhancing creativity, efficiency, and interactivity in teaching methodologies.

The interactive Q&A session provided attendees an opportunity to discuss customization techniques for system prompts and the optimization of AI applications in classroom settings. Dr. Wang encouraged participants to register as teachers or students on ByteWise and experience its functionality firsthand.

From showcasing generative AI’s potential to creating interactive teaching materials to examining its role in supporting collaborative learning environments, this session highlighted the possibilities of applying a generative AI chatbot customization platform in education.

As the AI Empowers Education series concludes for the semester, it has provided participants with a deeper understanding of AI’s transformative potential in education. By focusing on foundational principles, ethical considerations, and practical applications, the series has equipped educators with innovative tools to meet the demands of 21st-century learners, driving educational innovation and progress.