Learning Innovation Festival 2025

Programme

AI Builder for Stakeholder Understanding in IS Modules

Dr Kiruthika Ramanathan
Senior Lecturer of Information Systems
School of Computing and Information Systems

IT Service Management augments learning by integrating AI-powered intent recognition into role-play scenarios, where students acted as IT support teams communicating with AI agents simulating real stakeholders using industry tools like Jira and Azure. The AI provided immediate, personalized feedback, which led to richer, more frequent student communications and a measurable improvement in understanding RACI roles and stakeholder management. Students found the AI-enhanced labs more challenging and enjoyable, while faculty benefited from streamlined, scalable feedback processes using automation.

Thinking Like an Analyst: Teaching with the ABCDEF Framework & Custom GPT Mentor

Mr. Rafael Barros
Senior Lecturer of Information Systems
School of Computing and Information Systems

In this hands-on workshop, Rafael J. Barros introduces the ABCDEF Framework, a structured method that empowers students to ask better analytical questions before jumping into dashboards and charts. Designed to combat a common learning gap—formulating clear, data-driven questions—the framework guides learners through six critical thinking steps: Audience, Business Question, Category, Data, Ethics, and Formulate.

Participants will also experience the ABCDEF Custom GPT Mentor—a tireless AI teaching assistant that models professional analyst thinking. Discover how AI can coach students to become active, ethical, and confident problem solvers. Whether you teach analytics, business, or data storytelling, this session will equip you with practical tools and sample prompts to elevate student engagement and critical thinking.

AI Video Avatars: Augmenting Blended Learning with HeyGen

Associate Professor Tamas Makany
Associate Provost (Teaching and Learning Innovation)
Director, Centre for Teaching Excellence

Prof Tamas Makany will share how he augmented his digital communication class with AI-generated video avatars. He will demonstrate practical implementation strategies, including script preparation and avatar customization. He will also share challenges with voice modulation and movement limitations. With a live demo and discussion, attendees can learn to implement HeyGen in their teaching contexts.

Building AI Literacy Through Library Innovation: Integrating AI-Powered Research Tools into Student Learning

Ms. Xia Wei
Principal Librarian, Instruction and Learning Services
Li Ka Shing Library

This presentation addresses the challenges students encounter when conducting research for courses and how to enhance students’ research skills by leveraging AI tools.

Comprehensive learning solution was curated for faculty members to support students in understanding key concepts, discovering and analyzing relevant literature, and effectively utilizing AI tools throughout the research process. This solution comprises three integrated components:

Part 1: Digital Learning Objects and Quiz
Part 2: In-Class Instruction
Part 3: Research Consultations

This structured approach ensures students gain both foundational knowledge and practical skills, empowering them to conduct effective research with the aid of AI tools.

Gen AI Tools in the Learning Management System

Mr. Kumar Sivarajoo
Manager, Digital Learning Services Integrated Information Technology Systems

During this 30-minute session, IITS will present an overview of the Gen AI features and tools available or on trial in 2025. This presentation will address practical applications, usage statistics, user feedback, and identified limitations. Additionally, product roadmaps and upcoming features may be discussed. The session will also highlight workshops and support resources designed to facilitate adoption of these technologies.