Sign-Up Form: [Sept 1st, 2026, Tues] Exploring AI-Supported Learning with Ark Junior – Fill out form
Abstract
As generative AI becomes more widely adopted in higher education, it raises important questions about how these technologies can best support teaching and learning. In this presentation, I will introduce Ark Junior, an AI-supported platform that transforms traditional lecture slides into narrated, interactive learning experiences with an integrated AI tutor. Drawing on its first implementation in an undergraduate humanities course at the University of Hong Kong, I will discuss the motivations behind the project, the teaching approach adopted, and the lessons learned from its initial deployment. I will conclude by reflecting on the potential and limitations of AI-assisted teaching, and on the role these tools may play in humanities education.
About the Speaker
Dr. David Villena is a Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at The University of Hong Kong. His research and teaching focus on the philosophy and ethics of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, with a particular interest in how emerging technologies can transform higher education. He teaches in both the Department of Philosophy and the Master’s programme in Artificial Intelligence, Ethics and Society, and received the HKU Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (2024–25) for his innovative teaching.
Prof. Zheng Zhang (zz) is Founder and Chief Scientist of The HKU Shanghai Cross Innovation Lab and Professor in HKU’s School of Computing and Data Science. He previously founded the Amazon Web Services Shanghai Al Lab and has helped develop deep-learning platforms including MXNet, MinPy, and DGL.
Seminar Details
Title: Experimenting with AI-based Grading
Date: September 1st, 2026 (Monday)
Time: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm (HKT)
Language: English
Venue: Arts Tech Lab (Room 4.35), 4/F, RRST, HKU
This event is hosted by the HKU Arts Tech Lab.