SCUPI

Recently, various schools at Sichuan University conducted conclusion evaluations for the research projects under the “Sichuan University 10th New Century Higher Education Teaching Reform Project.”

On October 11th, Associate Professor Zheng Yang from the Sichuan University-Pittsburgh Institute (SCUPI) hosted a project conclusion meeting, which also served as the second teaching seminar for the Fall 2024 semester. The event was held in Room N209 of the SCUPI new building, with over 20 participants, including Assistant Dean Ye Li, Director of Administration Wei Tang, and SCUPI faculty and staff members.

Associate Professor Zheng Yang’s project, Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning Research Based on ChatGPT, received support from the 10th Teaching Reform Project in 2023.

This university-level teaching reform project aimed to explore new interdisciplinary teaching methods by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT to improve teaching quality and efficiency while fostering interdisciplinary thinking and innovation among students.

During the seminar, Professor Yang provided an overview of the project’s implementation process. He highlighted the efforts of the project members, including Associate Professors Yang Liu, Yumei Li, and Assistant Professor Yingjie Wu, who explored the use of AI tools to assist in various aspects of teaching, including theoretical instruction, specialized problem-solving, experimental teaching, and subject testing.

Next, Professor Yang showcased how AI tools were integrated into his calculus course, discussing their positive impact on students’ understanding of fundamental calculus concepts. He noted that AI tools could provide personalized learning paths and differentiated support based on students’ unique cultural backgrounds and educational experiences, thereby enhancing the overall teaching effect.

Additionally, Professor Yang briefly introduced how other project members applied AI tools in different teaching fields. Associate Professor Liu Yang used AI tools in industrial engineering courses for concept explanation, mathematical calculations, and solving professional problems. Associate Professor Yumei Li utilized AI tools to analyze and evaluate English writing texts, while Assistant Professor Yingjie Wu integrated AI tools into experimental teaching. These teaching practices demonstrated that AI tools could serve as effective educational aids to significantly improve student learning outcomes.

However, Professor Yang also candidly acknowledged some limitations in using AI tools for teaching. Aside from the limited sample size of participating students, AI technologies have inherent biases, and technical issues such as internet access can also be barriers. He emphasized that, moving forward, educators must approach AI-assisted teaching with caution, carefully considering the effectiveness and fairness of AI technologies to ensure teaching quality and student success.

The seminar concluded with a lively discussion among the faculty on the use of AI tools in education. Associate Professors Jeungphill Hanne, Yumei Li, Robyn Lee Najar, Assistant Professors Mathew Evans, Kunpeng Wang engaged in in-depth discussions with Professor Yang on the interaction between students, educators, and AI tools.

Professor Yang stressed that the key to the effectiveness of AI tools lies in how they are applied. He suggested that teachers should receive relevant training to learn how to use AI tools more effectively. He also pointed out that guiding students in using AI tools appropriately is one of the current challenges in applying AI in education.

Associate Professor Robyn Lee Najar, with over 40 years of teaching experience at various universities worldwide, shared her insights into the introduction and application of new technologies in teaching. She observed that while new technologies often bring uncertainties, the continuous evolution of technology, combined with teachers’ skills and attitudes, determines whether these tools can reach their full potential. She encouraged teachers to view AI tools as an opportunity for educational innovation, to rethink and improve teaching and assessment methods, and to effectively integrate AI into daily teaching practices to enhance educational quality.

Ye Li, Assistant Dean of the Institute, stated that AI is a trend of the times and a teaching reform research area strongly supported by the university. He encouraged Associate Professor Zheng Yang and his team to continue their exploration even after the project’s conclusion. Li also urged other faculty members to keep thinking about how to leverage the vast potential of AI technology to enhance teaching quality, optimize the learning experience, and promote educational equity.

As an institute dedicated to providing high-quality undergraduate education, our faculty and students continuously push forward and will continue to deepen the reform and innovation of undergraduate teaching.We will keep exploring new teaching models that meet the needs of the times and develop modern teaching methods that align with the demands of educational reform. With strong determination and practical action, we aim to cultivating more outstanding talents for our society.