Leon Lei, who teaches data science in the faculty of education at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), recently produced a textbook – in 30 hours. Using a mix of generative AI and other tools, Lei turned transcripts and slides from a series of online classes he taught during pandemic lockdowns into text (15 hours), then edited and compiled it into a 10,000-word course book (another 15 hours). He also converted chapters to mind maps – diagrams which show concepts in visual form – and created video clips. “Students have diverse learning styles,” said Lei, who is running AI clinics across the university on using AI tools for teaching. “Some want to listen, watch. Some want a mind map first. Before this, I didn’t have time to explore.” Generative AI is causing teachers to rethink how they teach and how they can prepare students for the future. Administrators are reframing what universities should be teaching that future employers will want.
