Contemporary World and China Lecture Series

1. "Enhancing International Communication Capacity to Strengthen Global Discourse Power" by Prof. Yonghua ZHAO

2. "Intelligent Communication: Data Infrastructure, Modal Transformation, and Human-Machine Relationships" by Prof. Changfeng CHEN

• Prof. Yonghua ZHAO (School of Journalism and Communication, Renmin University of China)

• Prof. Changfeng CHEN ( School of Journalism and Communication, Tsinghua University)

AI Empowers Education 9 | Developing an In-house Gen AI chatbot Customization Platform to Empower Teaching and Learning

Facilitator: Dr. Simon WANG (Lecturer in English and the Innovation Officer of the Language Centre, HKBU and editorial board member of English for Specific Purposes)

Dr. Simon WANG is a lecturer in English and the Innovation Officer of the Language Centre, HKBU. He is committed to empowering teaching and learning through fostering human-Gen AI partnerships. He is a regular contributor to the South China Morning Post letters section and an editorial board member of English for Specific Purposes.

Date & Time:14:30-15:30, 17 Dec 2024 (Tue)

Language: English and Chinese

Venue: Online via Tencent Meeting

Meeting Code: 723-212-108

Abstract:

In this workshop, the speaker will demonstrate ByteWise, an in-house Gen AI chatbot customization platform, jointly developed by the Language Centre and the Department of Computer Science at HKBU. Main features of this platform include
Teachers can write system prompts to "programme" a chatbot in natural languages to engage students interactively
Students' chat histories are accessible by teachers with their consent (by default)
Costs of accessing premium Large Language Models are covered by the university projects at an affordable rate
Participants are encouraged to sign up for a teacher account and a student account via https://chat.hkbu.life/#/register and learn more about the platform via http://llm.hkbu.life in advance.

SCC AI Literacy Seminars

Time: 12:00-13:00, 6 Dec 2024 (Fri)
Venue: CC-207
Language: English

Event list:
- "AI Disruptions to Creative and Learning Processes" (by Dr Damien TOMASELLI)

eLEARNING FORUM ASIA 2024 | EMPOWER & EMBRACE: Innovating Higher Education with Edtech

Keynote Speakers: Dr. Albert CHAU (Hong Kong Baptist University), Prof. Robert K. KAMEI (National University of Singapore), Dr. Krittika TANPRASERT (King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi), Prof. Eugene CH’NG (Beijing Normal University – Hong Kong Baptist University United International College), and Prof. Rosemary LUCKIN (University College London)

Date & Time: 4-5 Dec 2024 (Wed-Thu)
Venue: Hong Kong Baptist University

Abstract: Higher education is undergoing a profound transition in the dynamic landscape of the 21st century, driven by innovative technology in education and the transformative potential of edtech. "Empower & Embrace: Innovating Higher Education with EdTech" perfectly portrays this movement, emphasising technology's crucial role in shaping future-ready educational institutions. This conference is not merely an exploration of tools and technologies but a deep dive into the ethos of education in the 21st century. As borders dissolve—whether geographical, disciplinary, or pedagogical—the promise of EdTech emerges as a beacon of opportunity and a catalyst for change.

Application for the China University-Industry Collaborative Innovation Fund: Special Program on Digital Empowerment in Education and Teaching

为促进信息技术与教育深度融合，教育部高等学校科学研究发展中心与辽宁向日葵数字技术股份有限公司、联通（辽宁）产业互联网有限公司联合设立“数字化赋能教育教学专项”，支持高校在数字化赋能人才培养、数字化赋能教师发展、教育数字化转型新兴技术和业务场景研究等方向的科学研究与创新应用，并提供每个课题总经费20万元至50万元的支持，其中研究经费10万元至25万元。

To promote the deep integration of information technology and education, the Higher Education Research and Development Center of the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with Liaoning Sunflower Digital Technology Co., Ltd. and Unicom (Liaoning) Industrial Internet Co., Ltd., has jointly established the "Special Program on Digital Empowerment in Education and Teaching." This program supports scientific research and innovative applications in areas such as digital empowerment for talent cultivation, digital empowerment for teacher development, emerging technologies, and business scenario studies in educational digital transformation. Each project will receive total funding of 200,000 to 500,000 RMB, including research funding ranging from 100,000 to 250,000 RMB.

Submission Deadline: 23 Dec 2024

Note: Please submit the application form (Appendix 2) to Ms. Yao WANG at yaowang@uic.edu.cn

Call for Papers | The HKAECT International Conference 2025

Abstract: The HKAECT International Conference 2025 offers a dynamic platform to explore these transformative changes, fostering discussions on innovations in educational technology. This conference invites contributions from education, communication, social sciences, and humanities, encouraging participants to share insights and experiences that inspire the potential of EduTech. By addressing the latest advancements, the conference aims to strengthen professional identity, foster collaboration, and create a sense of belonging among educators and researchers. Participants will connect with peers to exchange ideas and collectively advance educational technology integration.

Theme: The Vistas of Inclusive Innovations in Educational Communications and Technology
Co-organizers: HKAECT, the Hong Kong Chinese Language Society, the University of Hong Kong Libraries
Keynote Speakers: Professor Christopher T. MILLER (President-Elect, AECT / Department of Foundational and Graduate Studies in Education, Morehead State University), Professor Hsin-Tzu (Tommy) CHEN (Associate Professor, Department of Education, Chinese Culture University), Professor Michele Della VENTURA (Department of Music Technology, Music Academy Studio Musica), Professor Allan YUEN (President, Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education)

Full Paper Submissions Deadline: 31 Dec 2024
Presentation Abstract Submissions Deadline: 1 Feb 2025
Note: Both Chinese and English papers are accepted for submission, and will be subject to a blind peer review process. Accepted manuscripts will be included in Literary Criticism or other publications by the Hong Kong Chinese Language Society. Please refer to the attached document for details on the topics to be explored in the papers.

Call for Application | The 2024 Project Application of the implementation of 14^thFive-year Plan

为助力建设高质量高等教育体系，根据《广东省高等教育学会中外合作办学研究分会事业发展 “十四五” 规划》和《广东省高等教育学会中外合作办学研究分会课题管理制度》，广东省高等教育学会中外合作办学研究分会决定向广大理事单位会员，开展分会 “十四五” 规划2024年度中外合作办学研究课题申报工作。

To support the development of a high-quality higher education system, and in accordance with the"14th Five-Year Plan for the Development of the Sub-Association of Sino-Foreign Cooperation in Education" and the "Project Management System of the Sub-Association of Sino-Foreign Cooperation in Education" issued by the Guangdong Association of Higher Education, the Sub-Association has invited member institutions and directors to submit proposals for research projects on Sino-Foreign Cooperation in Education under the 2024 Annual Plan.

Submission Deadline: 6 Dec 2024
Note: Please submit the project application form and loose-leaf documents (Appendices 2 and 3) to Ms. Yao WANG at yaowang@uic.edu.cn.