Abstract:
Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT demonstrate a remarkable ability to generate personalized and contextualized content by relating disparate ideas. This project proposes harnessing LLMs to make learning in science and mathematics more captivating and comprehensible. We will develop techniques for students to interact with LLMs to create customized conceptual descriptions and examples connecting course concepts to their personal interests and experiences. Linking abstract ideas to students’ own hobbies, passions, and backgrounds can increase motivation and retention. To complement enhanced engagement, we will also design activities focused on critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the classroom and at home. Students will learn how to practice and review for assessments by testing their own problem-solving skills through prompt engineering methods like chain of thought prompting. Our integrated approach balances engagement via personalized content with developing expertise via prompt engineering and critical analysis. Finally, our project will benefit EdUHK academic and teaching colleagues in leveraging LLMs in teaching STEM courses, as well as BEd and non-BEd students in the STEM field, in utilizing LLMs for their own learning of STEM courses and their future teaching career.
Code:
T0289
Principal Project Supervisors:
Keywords provided by authors:
- Active learning
- Prompt engineering
- Large Language Models (LLM)
- Generative AI
- STEM education
- Personalized examples; Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Start Date:
15 Apr 2024
End Date:
14 Jun 2025
Status:
Completed
Result:
The project successfully developed and launched YoChatGPT!, a unique multi-user, multi-LLM collaborative platform that transforms learning into a dynamic dialogue between students, educators, and AIs. We implemented a “Collaborative Generative AI” (CoGenAI) framework, integrating AI into personalized and active learning strategies (like peer instruction and inquiry-based learning). The platform is uniquely equipped with STEM-specific features, including math handwriting recognition and scientific diagram generation, alongside a Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) system that allows educators to align AI responses with their specific curriculum.
Pilot studies and data analysis from over a dozen courses show tangible improvements in student outcomes. We observed enhanced metacognitive skills, greater learning autonomy, and stronger critical thinking. Academic performance improved, particularly on tasks requiring design of implementation of IT teaching programs for STEM like topics, and students showed a deeper conceptual understanding and higher engagement. Unlike single-user AI tools, all interactions on YoChatGPT! create rich learning artifacts, making the entire collaborative problem-solving process visible and assessable.
Impact:
The impact of this project has been both significant and global. Through over 30 workshops, seminars, and conference presentations, we have engaged more than 20,000 educators and students worldwide, creating a vibrant community of practice. The YoChatGPT! platform itself has seen widespread adoption, with over 10,000 active users from more than 120 countries since its launch in July 2024. This demonstrates the project’s scalability and relevance across different educational contexts.
The project’s innovative approach has earned significant international recognition, including a Silver Award at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva and shortlistings for the prestigious QS Reimagine Education Award and the T4 Global EdTech Prize. This external validation confirms the novelty and quality of our work. By providing a proven, research-informed model for collaborative AI, this project is setting a new standard for educational technology and providing a transformative framework for the future of learning in Asia and beyond.
Deliverables:
Seminars/ Presentations/ Sharing Sessions
Ting, F. S. T. (2024, 28 August). Unlocking personalized and active learning using a collaborative chatroom integrated with generative AI [Seminar presentation]. Education University of Hong Kong. (Number of participants: 71 students and staff members)
Ting, F. (2024, 21 October). YoChatGPT! The next generation collaborative and personalized LMS + SRS for education in the age of generative AI [Sharing session]. Centre for Entrepreneurship and Research, Education University of Hong Kong.
Ting F. (2024, 31 October). From individual to group learning: YoChatGPT’s innovative approach to AI-Enhanced education [Online seminar presentation]. Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Ting, F. (2024, 5 December). Implementing personalized and active learning using a chatroom integrated with generative AI [Conference presentation]. eLearning Forum Asia, Baptist University of Hong Kong.
Ting, F. (2024, 12 December). Implementing generative AI integrated gamified learning and peer instruction through YoChatGPT’s context-aware chatrooms [Poster presentation]. Teaching and Learning Innovation Expo 2024, Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Teaching and Learning Resources/ Materials (including online resources)
YoChatGPT, a ChatGPT-based online collaboration platform (https://www.yochatgpt.io/)
11 videos introducing YoChatGPT (https://www.youtube.com/@YoChatGPTapp/videos)
6 active learning lessons and accompanying teaching slides or notes on introduction to ChatGPT and using ChatGPT for personalised learning and problem-solving, as follows:
Introduction to ChatGPT: https://uedhk-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/fridolin_eduhk_hk/EX9R8NnC6EtNgt_Xyw7sXlEBRbLeBEXJ6L08-di9Bf9Rzw?e=PoWLIi, https://uedhk-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/fridolin_eduhk_hk/ESDbVu6EdFJBkOTAfJfEJrsB8cwyTPlU5PfAx8wVmC5rxA?e=ue7xpP
Using ChatGPT for personalised learning: https://uedhk-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/fridolin_eduhk_hk/EeRTeF-J04pLvIfqDf5SFGABbKg_pCJU4LS7hHwz2EFkXg?e=xMD95g, https://uedhk-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/fridolin_eduhk_hk/ESqR_yfMwwVEuT1eZeKKbWkBb60ry46pdeWLO9EwZOJdjg?e=yMM8uV
Using ChatGPT for problem-solving: https://uedhk-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/fridolin_eduhk_hk/ERDdmWkYU_ZElxzz2vKpm0cBiiqqHIB1vAJU6_z3A8OVDA?e=IFETDw, https://uedhk-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/fridolin_eduhk_hk/EUii86ZXyURCn9j8q6P58wgBOc1PtFqpHCBK1tWljU4kfw?e=EaFx9l
Financial Year:
2023-24
Type:
TDG