Schedule:

12:00 pm – Light lunch
12:30 pm - 1:30om – Presentation, sharing and discussion,

Abstract:  

As AI tools become ubiquitous in higher education, the challenge for educators is no longer whether to adopt them, but how to do so in ways that meaningfully serve student learning. This seminar invites faculty members to move beyond using AI for its own sake and instead consider a critical question: when technology enters our classrooms, does it enrich the learning experience, or merely streamline our workflows?

We will explore how generative AI, when integrated thoughtfully—alongside immersive technologies such as Metaverse, Virtual Production, and 3D virtual design—can enable pedagogical approaches that are more interactive, personalised, and otherwise difficult to achieve through traditional methods. Through concrete examples and evidence informed strategies, the session will highlight ways to align technological choices with clear learning outcomes. Besides, the concept of a new "gamified" AI horizon course framework under development will also be presented. 

Participants will leave with practical insights and the pros and cons for developing teaching practices that harness AI not as a trend, but as a purposeful ally in fostering deeper student engagement and understanding. 

Bio:

Dr Ben, Y. B. Chan is currently the Associate Dean of Students and a Professor in Engineering Education (CIVL & ISD). Ben has worked extensively in Engineering Education related areas, including academic advising, experiential learning and teaching pedagogies development.  Ben has been the recipient of numerous teaching excellence awards during his almost decade-long teaching at the University, including the 2024 UGC Teaching Award (Team Award), the Michael G. Gale Teaching Excellence Award 2025, the finalist of the QS Reimagine Education Award 2018 (Global) organized by Wharton School QS Reimagine Education Award Committee; School of Engineering Teaching Excellence Appreciation Award in 2016, 2020 & 2024; the Common Core Teaching Excellence Award 2016, 2023 - Honorary Mention, , etc. With over 15 years of experience in researching and practicing engineering education, Chan have published over 50 journals and conference papers (Education and Civil Engineering) and participated in over 200 invited talks, seminars and conferences in the field of education, mostly in the area of Technology-based Teaching Pedagogies, Cornerstone Design, Creativity and Innovativeness Development, Engineering Identity Development & Internationalization. He also accumulated over HK$24M education related grants as a PI and over HK$80M as Co-I/Co-PI. Over the years, despite his existing identity as the associate director of E2I and chairman of CTLQ, Chan played a significant role in several subject committees in the Education Bureau.