On 29 April 2025, the Department of Languages and Cultures (DLC) hosted a hands-on workshop entitled "Harnessing Generative AI for Enhanced Learning". The workshop, generously funded by the FHSS Teaching and Learning Grant, featured Dr. Freek Olaf de Groot, an Assistant Professor from the Department of Applied Linguistics at Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool University, as the distinguished speaker. The workshop, which focused on the interaction with Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), attracted a significant number of participants, including both faculty members and students. Participants were encouraged to reflect on their personal experiences with AI and experiment with prompt design to better understand AI’s behavior and their own role in shaping it.

Dr. de Groot was giving an introduction to the workshop

The workshop featured several engaging hands-on activities designed to enhance participants’ interaction with AI. First, participants were asked to reflect on their relationship with AI and then craft prompts for AI to create a poem, haiku, or Chinese verse, focusing on the theme of humans’ relationship with language or AI. Following this, participants created prompts in both English and Chinese to explore best practices for designing English reading comprehension questions. They also analyzed how different platforms and languages influenced AI’s responses and tone. Dr. de Groot emphasised the importance of adjusting variables like persona, format, goal, task, and constraints to observe AI performance. The workshop concluded with participants co-designing exam questions based on a short text, highlighting the concept of co-authorship while leveraging AI’s capabilities.

Dr. de Groot was guiding faculty member during the workshop

Dr. Jackie was guiding students during the workshop

Following the workshop, both faculty members and students expressed that the engaging workshop significantly enhanced their awareness of their active role in shaping AI interactions, particularly the concept of AI as a co-agent. The workshop also offered valuable practical strategies for both educators and learners to design more effective prompts. One faculty member remarked, “One of my students in particular benefited the most, as his research is directly linked with prompts and final products (regarding written assignments).”

Faculty members were sharing answers provided by AI

Through this workshop, participants realised that AI is not merely a passive tool but a collaborative partner in the learning process. As Generative AI becomes increasingly embedded in academic and creative practices, the development of prompt literacy and critical thinking skills has become more essential.

The group photo

Reporter: Lu Chuqi

Edited by: Dr Jackie Yeoh