As artificial intelligence (AI) swiftly reshapes the very fabric of our daily lives, its influence on education is becoming more profound than ever. EdUHK President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, shares his vision for Education Futures and delves into how AI can act as a powerful force in redefining the educational landscape, guiding us towards an era of enhanced learning and engagement.
The role of AI in education
Professor Lee begins by demonstrating a video of the innovative ‘Digital John Lee’, a sophisticated AI creation by Professor Song Yanjie of the Department of Mathematics and Information Technology and her team at EdUHK. “Digital John Lee is not only fluent in multiple languages but also possesses an extraordinary advantage – an extensive database of knowledge. In fact, I could send Digital John Lee to this interview in my place, and he might offer answers that surpass my own, complete with richer references,” he jokes.
“It makes me think if there were a digital version of myself, that were exceptionally capable and constantly evolving, what would be my uniqueness and value? Moreover, shouldn’t we, as human educators, take time to reflect on the unique contributions we offer that AI cannot replicate?” he asks. He sees the numerous ways AI tools can support teachers in their instructional roles. For instance, AI can significantly reduce teachers’ workloads by automating tasks such as marking papers and preparing teaching materials. Furthermore, it can assess students’ strengths and weaknesses, providing a comprehensive view of student performance over time. This data-driven insight enables teachers to create personalised learning pathways tailored to each student’s needs. “Education will evolve with AI under human guidance, not compete against it.”
Envisioning the future of education
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At the heart of Professor Lee’s vision for ‘Future Education’ is the role of ‘Future Educators’, where AI cannot replicate the emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills as well as the human warmth and experiences that human teachers possess. “Teachers are ‘engineers of the soul’, capable of recognising the unique value within each student and engaging them in meaningful ways,” he asserts. “They connect with students on a human level, communicating through the principles of truth, goodness and beauty.” This reflects his belief that education transcends mere transmission of knowledge, it involves fostering a nurturing environment where students can develop holistically and flourish with positive values and well-being.
He suggests the building of a collaborative ecosystem among educators, students, businesses and the community. “We should build strong partnerships to ensure that the diverse needs of every student are met.” This approach cultivates a more inclusive educational environment, where differentiated instruction and tailored learning opportunities for better student development can thrive.
Education will evolve with AI under human guidance, not compete against it.
Preparing future students
To nurture ‘Future Students’, Professor Lee stresses that education must go beyond mere academic achievement. “It should equip students with the 21st century or future-ready skills necessary for productive citizenship, support their personal goals and enhance their overall well-being.”
He cites the New Six Arts Courses, introduced by EdUHK in the 2024/25 academic year, as an example, which blends the ancient Chinese concepts of rites, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy and mathematics with innovative technology and experiential learning. “These courses are designed to deepen students’ appreciation of Chinese culture and prepare them for modern societal and national needs. We are dedicated to nurturing comprehensive growth across five fundamental dimensions of life: ethics, intellect, physical health, social skills and aesthetics,” he explains.
Cultivating the future workforce
When discussing the ‘Future Workforce’, Professor Lee acknowledges the sweeping changes in demographics and global dynamics that will influence both education and employment. “As AI evolves, new jobs will emerge, and existing roles will transform. Perhaps it’s time for us to return to the basics, unlearn some old knowledge and relearn new competencies,” he says.
Professor Lee believes that future education must prioritise critical thinking, creativity, interpersonal skills, digital literacy, cultural understanding, cross-cultural awareness and national values – values and skills that AI cannot replicate. “While we should teach students how to effectively use and understand AI tools in order to succeed in an AI-driven future, these skills are vital for preparing them for a globally connected world. Our goal is to nurture talent who will contribute meaningfully to society, our nation, and the world,” he says
He reaffirms EdUHK’s commitment to nurturing ‘Future Talents’ with virtues. Whether one is a general, specialised or innovative talent, virtues such as professional ethics, patriotism, integrity, innovation and respect for diverse cultures are essential for all.
(From left) Professor John Lee, EdUHK President; Prof Priscilla Leung, Founding President of the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship; Dr Christine Choi, Secretary for Education
The Impact of AI on Learning
Professor Lee highlights the critical role of AI in enhancing educational practices. However, he cautions that integrating AI into education must be done thoughtfully and prudently. “As education specialists and educators, we must navigate the ethical implications of AI use in classrooms, prioritise ethical considerations and foster a responsible approach to technology. Students, too, must learn to wield AI wisely and ethically, avoiding undue dependence on it,” he explains. In early 2023, EdUHK introduced the 6-P pedagogical approach (Plan, Prompt, Preview, Produce, Peer Review, Portfolio) for leveraging AI-enabled generative tools to enhance teaching and learning efficacy while providing moral guidance.
Professor Lee reiterates the importance of preserving the human and socio-cultural elements of education. “AI will not replace educators; instead, it will enhance teachers’ ability to connect with students on a deeper level, serving as a guiding light in their personal and academic journeys,” he concludes. His insights offer a hopeful outlook on the future of education – one that embraces AI’s potential while celebrating the irreplaceable qualities of human educators, equipped with both Chinese cultural wisdom and future-ready skills.
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