Advancing AI Readiness in Education: A Collaborative Community to Empower Language Teachers in AI Integration

Part C Project Overview
Executive Summary
(Please provide an executive summary of the project.)
In the rapidly evolving educational landscape, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly for institutions like PolyU Hong Kong Community College (HKCC), PolyU School of Professional Education and Executive Development (SPEED), and other self-financing tertiary institutions. This 24-month project seeks to bridge the gap between AI and language education by equipping educators and students interested in language education with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to integrate AI effectively and sustainably into teaching and learning. Structured into three progressive phases, the initiative combines capacity-building seminars, resource development, and community engagement to foster innovation in bilingual education, administrative efficiency, and student well-being.

Identified Challenges and Needs in AI Adoption in Language Education
1. Insufficient Foundational Understanding and Technical Expertise in AI Among Educators and Students
Many educators, along with their sub-degree, degree, and postgraduate students, lack the comprehensive understanding of AI principles and technical competencies required to leverage AI tools effectively in educational contexts. This gap in knowledge hampers the ability to fully integrate AI into teaching practices and learning experiences, which can lead to suboptimal educational outcomes and limit students' preparedness for the demands of an increasingly AI-driven global workforce.

2. Limited Access to Practical AI Information
There is a scarcity of accessible, practical information about AI tools and technologies tailored for language education. Educators and students at all levels struggle to find relevant resources, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities to enhance learning experiences.

3. Underutilization of AI in Research and Learning
The potential of AI to support research and academic work remains largely untapped. Educators, alongside their sub-degree, degree, and postgraduate students, are missing opportunities to leverage AI tools for tasks such as literature reviews, data analysis, and research design, which could lead to significant breakthroughs and innovations.


How we respond to the needs in this project
1. Seminar on AI Knowledge and Literacy
A series of seminars will be conducted to equip educators and their students—across sub-degree, degree, and postgraduate levels—with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and apply AI technologies in language education. These seminars will cover foundational concepts, practical applications, and advanced tools, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to integrate AI into their teaching, learning, and research.

2. Collaborative Community for Resource Sharing
An online community will be established via a social media platform to facilitate the sharing of practical AI tools, resources, and best practices among educators and students. This collaborative hub will provide easy access to valuable information and foster continuous learning and innovation. Furthermore, all individuals involved in the project are recognized as members of this community of practice (CoP), ensuring that everyone contributes to and benefits from this dynamic network.

3. Support for AI Integration in Research and Learning
The project will provide training and resources to help educators and students at all levels integrate AI into their research and coursework. By leveraging AI tools, both educators and students will be able to enhance the quality and efficiency of their work, leading to potential breakthroughs that address critical challenges in language education.