Smart Minds, Smarter Classrooms: EdUHK’s Week-Long AI Education Exchange in Hubei
All participating teachers and students from EdUHK and Hubei University pictured at the opening ceremony on 15 June in front of Hubei University’s School of Teacher Education (湖北大學師範學院).
From 14 to 20 June, Hubei University and EdUHK held a successful academic and cultural exchange under the theme “Smart Education for Innovation, Hubei-Hong Kong Collaboration” (智教融新，鄂港同行). As part of the 2026 Mainland-Hong Kong-Macao University Teacher and Student Exchange Programme, the week-long event brought together faculty and students from the Department of Mathematics and Information Technology (MIT) and teachers and students from Hubei University’s School of Teacher Education (湖北大學師範學院). The EdUHK delegation was led by Dr Yuen Man Wai and Dr Zhang Ying of MIT.
Focusing on academic discussion, practical experience, and cultural exchange, the week-long exchange included academic salons, primary school visits, and cultural tours. The exchange, which began with a visit to Hubei University’s History Museum and University Museum on 15 June, established a platform for ongoing dialogue between young education scholars from Hubei and Hong Kong. Through guided tours at the museums, EdUHK participants learnt about Hubei University’s history and achievements, and viewed relics of Jingchu (荊楚) culture, the historical culture of the Hubei region, such as bronzes and ceramics.
Professor Yin Shufei, Vice Dean of Hubei University’s School of Teacher Education, hosted the opening ceremony with Ms Cao Jing, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office of Hubei University, delivering a welcoming speech, and Ms Lu Yiting, Party Secretary of the School of Teacher Education, addressing the ceremony. Dr Yuen Man Wai and Dr Zhang Ying introduced EdUHK and the Department of Mathematics and Information Technology to the audience. Student representatives from both universities expressed their expectations for the exchange.
A representative of the Hong Kong delegation speaks at the opening ceremony.
After the opening, a mathematics education salon was moderated by Dr Zhang Ying. It featured several keynote speeches, including Dr Yuen Man Wai’s discussion of AI-enabled mathematics teaching in secondary schools and a talk by Dr Yan Qing of Hubei University comparing teaching discourse between expert and novice junior high school mathematics teachers. Five postgraduate and doctoral students presented research findings on AI applications in schools, Chinese Mainland-Singapore textbook comparisons, adaptive learning platforms, and interdisciplinary mathematics-science teaching design. The session concluded with lively discussions.
Dr Yuen Man Wai of MIT, left, postgraduate students and other experts in mathematics education speak at the academic salon on 15 June.
On 16 June, the delegation visited Central China Normal University (CCNU, 華中師範大學) for cross-regional academic presentations. Young researchers from EdUHK, Hubei University, and CCNU explored current topics in mathematics education and AI-enabled teaching. Associate Professor Li Na of CCNU's School of Mathematics and Statistics hosted the opening session, and Mr Zhou Bo, Deputy Party Secretary of the school, welcomed all participants. Dr Liu Yixuan discussed teacher beliefs and practice in mathematics curriculum reform, and Dr Li Kunli examined the impact of scaffolding on students’ problem-solving abilities.
Teachers and students from EdUHK, Hubei University, and Central China Normal University pictured at the cross-university seminar.
In the postgraduate presentation session moderated by Dr Liu Yixuan, six postgraduate and doctoral students addressed topics such as AI anxiety, personalised homework design, lightweight programming methods, the reconstruction of mathematical thinking, AI-enabled dialogic teaching, and the effects of parental involvement on mathematics performance. The presentations blended theory and practice, followed by lively discussions among teachers and students from EdUHK, Hubei University, and Central China Normal University.
Postgraduate presentation and expert comments session moderated by Dr Liu Yixuan.
On 17 June, the delegation toured the Lakeside Campus of Shenlong Primary School Education Group (神龍小學湖畔分校) in Wuhan, a showcase for digital education innovation. Led by Principal Xia Man and Vice Principal Ouyang Yujuan of the school, participants visited the “Smart Fun Community” to learn about the school’s digital evaluation system. The delegation then visited the 3,000-sqm interdisciplinary learning centre “Xingyu Academy”, where teacher Sun Min explained its multi-functional spaces and AI curriculum.
The joint delegation of EdUHK and Hubei University visits the Shenlong Primary School.
At the primary school, the group observed a fifth-grade mathematics class, “The Knowledge Behind Tickets”, taught by Mr Chen Hao. Using Wuhan metro fare rules, students in the class explored fare-distance relationships and analysed urban transit operations, integrating statistical knowledge with real-world issues and AI tools. EdUHK’s Dr Zhang Ying and Dr Liang Wei of Hubei University provided feedback, followed by a Q&A session. Principal Xia Man concluded with a presentation on innovative practices in smart campus development and AI curriculum.
Mathematics class at Shenlong Primary School.
On 18 June, participants visited Hubei Provincial Museum, where they viewed national treasures reflecting the region’s cultural heritage. They also toured Wuhan’s landmarks, including Yellow Crane Tower (黃鶴樓) and Wuhan University. The closing ceremony was held at Hubei University, attended by faculty from both institutions. Student representatives from both universities shared insights and experiences through presentations and videos, focusing on AI-enabled teacher education and regional collaboration. Faculty leaders from EdUHK’s MIT and Hubei University gave final remarks at the closing ceremony, praising the enthusiastic engagement of students from both sides and encouraging further research collaboration.
The joint delegation visits Hubei Provincial Museum.
Dr Yuen Man Wai, centre right, and Dr Zhang Ying, centre left, of MIT, pictured with students from EdUHK and Hubei University.
Supported by the Ministry of Education’s Mainland-Hong Kong-Macao University Teacher and Student Exchange Programme, the “Smart Education for Innovation, Hubei-Hong Kong Collaboration” project has strengthened cultural ties and research collaboration between Hubei and Hong Kong. The exchange promoted the sharing of teacher education resources and ideas among young scholars. It also contributed to the development of educational talent in the Greater Bay Area.
