The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping various sectors, with education being one of the most profoundly impacted. As AI technologies advance, they offer unprecedented opportunities to enhance the effectiveness and reach of English language teaching and learning. In this transformative era, educators and institutions must embrace these innovations to remain at the forefront of pedagogical excellence.
The event serves as a crucial platform for educators, researchers, and industry experts to explore the integration of AI in language education. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, this event aims to foster a deeper understanding of how AI can be harnessed to enhance English language teaching and learning. By sharing best practices, innovative approaches, and cutting-edge research, the symposium will empower participants to lead the way in adopting AI-driven solutions that will shape the future of education.
Dr. LENG Jing is an associate professor in the Department of Education Information Technology at the East China Normal University (ECNU) in Shanghai, China. She received her PhD at the University of Hong Kong. Her research centers on AI & language learning, computer-supported collaborative learning, and critical thinking. Dr. Leng will explore the use of generative AI, specifically ChatGPT, in enhancing university students' argumentative writing skills. She will investigate AI's role in providing feedback, fostering coherence, and promoting critical thinking through a multi-agent debate framework. Her talk aims to help language teachers leverage AI as a powerful, adaptable tool for scalable language learning solutions.
Professor ZHU Tianqing is Professor and Vice Dean (Research) in the faculty of Data Science at the City University of Macau. She holds B.Eng. and M.Eng. degrees from Wuhan University, Wuhan, China and a PhD in Computer Science from Deakin University, Australia. Prior to that, she was a Professor at the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan). Professor Zhu will explore the transformative potential of AI in language education,including personalised learning and democratized access to resources, while also addressing challenges like data privacy, ethical implications, and cultural sensitivity. It aims to foster a balanced understanding of AI's rolein shaping future educational strategies, considering both opportunities and obstacles.
Professor David Nunan is Professor Emeritus of Applied Linguistics at the University of Hong Kong; President Emeritus and Distinguished Research Professor at Anaheim University, where he also served as President; and Senior Trustee at TIRF (The International Research Foundation for English Language Education). Professor Nunan will argue that generative AI (GenAI) presents significant opportunities for enhancing education, enabling the development of higher-order thinking, creativity, collaboration, reflection, and independent learning among students. However, achieving these benefits requires a shift in teachers' attitudes and practices, and it necessitates rethinking assessment methods to align with the goals of education in the era of AI.
Professor LI Wenzhong is a doctoral supervisor at Zhejiang Gongshang University. He earned his PhD in Corpus Linguistics at Shanghai Jiaotong University and his Post-Graduate Diploma in English Language Teaching at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang University of Science and Technology. One area of Dr. Li’s research interests is in data science applications in corpus linguistics. Dr. Li will explore the integration of corpus concordancing and AI technology in academic writing instruction, aiming to empower learners to independently explore language patterns and improve their writing. The approach combines this data-driven learning method with AI-generated feedback, offering learners a comprehensive understanding of academic language use and fostering more effective learning outcomes.