The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) at City University of Hong Kong proudly announces that two esteemed faculty members have been honored with the Teaching Excellence Award (TEA) for the 2024/25 academic year. This recognition highlights their innovative integration of artificial intelligence into educational practices, effectively aligning learning with the contemporary demands of society. The recipients are Professor CHAN Siu Ming from the Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences and Professor Xiu YAN from the Department of Linguistics and Translation.
“Serve the Disadvantaged, Discover Your Purpose”
Professor Chan Siu Ming is dedicated to fostering a sense of compassion and commitment in his students, encouraging them to serve disadvantaged communities and address pressing social needs. He believes in the power of experiential learning to cultivate empathy and practical skills for future social workers. By incorporating community visits, role-plays, and discussions on social research, he ensures that his students gain a deep understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable communities.
Under Professor Chan’s guidance, students have created AI-based chatbots designed to assist disadvantaged individuals. This collaborative initiative has resulted in the development of 12 tailored AI chatbots, each addressing specific issues faced by groups such as new immigrants and injured workers. This innovative approach not only equips students with essential technological skills but also empowers them to make meaningful contributions to the social work in an increasingly dynamic landscape.
Photo 1: Professor Chan led students on a visit to residents of subdivided units and homeless individuals in Sham Shui Po.
Photo 2: Professor Chan highlights the integration of AI tools in social work training, as seen here with an AI trainer guiding students through practical applications.
In partnership with Dr. Nelson Tam Wai-yiu from the Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences and the Society for Innovation in Social Work, Professor Chan has pioneered the use of AI tools to transform social work training. This initiative led to the creation of six AI characters designed to simulate real-life casework scenarios, such as students facing academic pressure and transgender youth. These "AI cases" facilitate students to engage in group problem-solving exercises, honing their skills in a realistic yet controlled environment.
“By integrating community engagement, digital learning, and impactful research, I aim to empower students to make meaningful changes for disadvantaged groups and the community,” Professor Chan stated.
“Inspire with Passion, Empower with Innovation: Achieving Inclusive Success”
Professor Yan's teaching philosophy centers on inspiring students by aligning instruction with their individual motivations. She views AI as an invaluable tool that enhances her teaching, seamlessly integrating it into her curriculum alongside traditional skills such as interpreting training. By merging technology with inclusivity, Professor Yan prepares her students for future challenges and fosters a more inclusive society.
Utilising AI to generate source and target texts, Professor Yan provides diverse and ethically sound teaching materials while navigating ethical concerns related to copyrighted content, aligning with her focus on innovation. AI-generated texts for translation practice not only enable students to assess their skills but also encourage critical thinking as they compare AI outputs with human translations, deepening their understanding of translation nuances.
Furthermore, she emphasises inclusivity by addressing inclusive language and providing audio description training for visually impaired individuals. Her students learn the importance of respectful language choices, ensuring their skills are applicable to both sighted individuals and those with disabilities.
Photo 3: Professor Yan launched an audio description guided tour for the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery.
Photo 4: Professor Yan briefed the participants of the audio description guided tour.
Additionally, AI-generated voices and real-time authentic speeches simulate real-life interpreting situations, enhancing students’ adaptability and confidence. Professor Yan has designed engaging activities, such as mock meetings that replicate professional interpreting scenarios, enriching student learning and preparing them for future career challenges.
“I aim to integrate AI and other emerging technologies into my teaching to prepare students for the future of translation and interpreting. I also plan to explore the ethical implications of AI in translation, which will inform my teaching and benefit the broader academic community,” Professor Yan remarked.
The College extends its heartfelt congratulations to Professor Chan and Professor Yan on their well-deserved recognition. We look forward to their continued contributions and advancements in teaching methods that integrate AI, enriching student learning while making a positive social impact.
