This presentation explores forthcoming changes to undergraduate language education at a Hong Kong university and a move away from traditional English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course requirements. Beginning in the 2026/27 academic year, all first-year, first-degree students will be required to take a new compulsory subject called AI-as-a-Tool for Language Learning (AITLL). The course is designed to help students develop practical skills in using digital and AI resources to support language development and workplace communication. It uses a scenario-based, project-oriented approach with an emphasis on active student participation. The main learning objectives include the use and evaluation of AI tools, consideration of ethical issues, prompt design, analysis of AI-generated content, and strategies for personalised learning. These objectives will be discussed in relation to current research on the integration of AI in undergraduate language education. The presentation also addresses the introduction of a new university English exit test, which will be required for graduation and is separate from the AITLL course. Initial feedback from teachers and students who participated in a pilot version of the AITLL course will be presented. This feedback points to both opportunities and challenges encountered during the pilot. The session considers implications for curriculum design, assessment methods, and engagement with stakeholders, as well as the potential for more flexible and individualised learning pathways. The aim is to contribute to ongoing discussions among educators, administrators, and policymakers about the impact of these developments on EAP provision and undergraduate language education.

Authors:
John Iveson, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Dr John Iveson is currently a Lecturer in the English Language Centre of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where his responsibilities include subject leadership and coordination of the Language and Communication Requirement (LCR) course cluster.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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