Lingnan University examines AI's role in education, using the institution as a case study

Lingnan University President and Wai Kee Kau Chair Professor of Data Science, S. Joe Qin, has published a paper titled “AI for education: The digital transformation of a liberal arts institution – implementation at Lingnan University” in the journal "Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence." The paper offers an in-depth analysis of artificial intelligence's (AI) role in education, using Lingnan University as a case study for its pilot initiatives.

Professor Qin notes that higher education is undergoing an "AI revolution," driving a "digital-intelligent transformation" for both educators and students. The paper suggests future curricula will shift from rote memorization towards applying and navigating knowledge, with students trained in prompt engineering to validate AI outputs and understand their ethical implications.

At the pedagogical level, the study highlights AI's potential to handle repetitive tasks such as administrative duties, classroom management, and assignment grading. This allows educators to focus on instruction and mentorship, while enhancing their data analytics and technological integration skills. Lingnan University developed a "Generative AI Assessment System" (GAAS), an AI-driven platform that assesses student performance in real time and provides individualized recommendations. This system, which received a Bronze Medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, significantly reduces the time spent on administrative marking and improves student engagement.

Qin stresses that educators are irreplaceable, as education is a social and emotional process that AI cannot replicate. Students must transition from passive consumers of AI-generated content to active editors and critical thinkers. He also points out that the widespread adoption of AI will increase the importance of interdisciplinary learning, focusing on cognitive flexibility, complex problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence.