On the afternoon of 13 November 2024, Dr. Edith Yan, Associate Professor of English Language and Literature Studies (ELLS) at UIC, led her research team members, comprising TESOL Year-4 students Ms. Christine Pan and Ms. Tina Feng, to visit the Huadu campus of Guangdong Guangya High School. They met with the English teachers Mr. Jay Sun, Ms. Sybil Wang, and Ms. Michelle Xiao, Deputy Director of the Teaching and Research Office, to explore the innovative application of AI technology in English teaching.

UIC ELLS Research Team Meeting Guangdong Guangya High School Educators

Bonding Through Alumni Connections: Driving Educational Innovation

Notably, Mr. Jay Sun of Guangya High School is a 2019 alumnus of UIC's Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Program. Originally established as a teacher training initiative, the TESL Program later merged with an English literature program to form the more comprehensive English Language and Literature Studies (ELLS) Program. Mr. Sun’s involvement added special significance to the collaboration, underscoring UIC’s success in nurturing English education professionals with innovative spirits. The opportunity for an alumnus to collaborate with his alma mater’s research team in advancing AI-driven teaching innovation highlights the professional continuity and impactful legacy of the ELLS Program.

Mr. Jay Sun Guiding Students on Writing Effective Prompts for AI Chatbots

Innovative Co-curricular Curriculum: Merging AI and Cross-Cultural English Learning

The collaboration launched an innovative course, AI Love: English for International Travel and Tourism. It focuses on leveraging AI tools such as Wenxin Yiyan, Kimi, and Doubao for English learning. By integrating AI with themes of tourism and cross-cultural communication, the project aims to go beyond traditional language teaching, fostering students' global perspectives, cross-cultural communication skills, and AI literacy.

Students Presenting Their English Learning Outcomes Enhanced by AI Technology

Classroom Practices: Hands-On with AI-Enhanced Learning

During a co-curricular English class session, Mr. Sun demonstrated the dynamic use of AI in teaching. Students engaged in activities using AI tools to complete their tasks efficiently and effectively. This interactive learning model not only enhanced their English skills but also developed their understanding and application of AI technology.

Dr. Edith Yan Discussing the Effective AI Tool Applications in Language Tasks with Students

Post-Observation Discussion: Advancing AI-Driven Pedagogy

A discussion followed the classroom observation, where both teams shared insights into AI’s educational applications. Mr. Sun detailed plans for upcoming AI-powered English lessons, while Ms. Xiao emphasized the need to design vibrant and interactive activities to maximize AI's potential in teaching. Dr. Yan regarded this initiative as a pivotal attempt to integrate AI into language education, expressing hope for future collaborations that would engage more students in innovative learning experiences.

Ms. Michelle Xiao Hosting a Post-Observation Discussion

Strengthened Ties and Future Prospects

This exchange not only deepened connections between the two institutions and laid foundations for future teaching collaborations but also helped students better understand AI technology while improving English learning abilities and cross-cultural understanding. Through this innovative teaching model, learners can acquire language in practice while simultaneously developing critical skills for the digital age.

Presenting a UIC Commemorative Gift to Celebrate the Innovative Teaching Collaboration

Teams from Both Institutions Capturing the Moment to Mark Their Collaborative Achievements

Text: Christine Pan

Photography: Christine Pan, Tina Feng

Editor: Edith Yan