Independent Learning

A seminar on the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in English-Medium Instruction (EMI) education was co-held by the Center for Language Education and Center for Faculty Development on Friday, 28th March 2025. Educators from various schools and departments at SUSTech, including School of Microelectronics, School of Life Sciences, SUSTech-KCL Joint Education Institute, Department of Mathematics and Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering joined the event to explore the multifaceted applications of AI in EMI higher education.

Discussions centered on three key issues: AI as a tool for teacher and student support, pedagogical and ethical considerations, and blended learning models that combine AI-driven personalization with collaborative, communicative classroom activities. Participants highlighted the potential of AI tools to streamline tasks for EMI teachers, such as automated grading, lesson planning, and test creation. On pedagogy, Prof. Yuxiu Hu emphasized the need to cultivate students’ critical thinking and AI literacy. Ethical concerns were also discussed, with Dr. Karl Nightingale cautioning against the risks of sensitive data misuse in AI-assisted teaching, particularly in disciplines like medicine where patient confidentiality is paramount. Participants also discussed the role of AI in creating immersive learning environments, such as virtual simulations for discipline-specific practice. The seminar closed with broad agreement that AI can enhance EMI education if implemented ethically and strategically.

The EMI lunchtime seminar series will carry on to explore frontiers of EMI teaching, as part of CLE’s efforts to support faculty professional development and the pursuit of teaching excellence at SUSTech.