AI in Education: Insights from the GCCCE 2025 Teacher Forum

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various sectors, and education is no exception. The integration of AI in educational settings presents both opportunities and challenges for educators and students alike. This article explores the key themes and insights from the Teacher Forum at the 29th Global Chinese Conference on Computers in Education (GCCCE 2025), focusing on how AI is being used to enhance STEAM education, foster computational thinking, and promote innovative teaching practices.

The Global Chinese Conference on Computers in Education (GCCCE) is a premier platform for researchers, educators, and practitioners to share their experiences and insights on the use of technology in education. The 29th GCCCE, held in 2025, featured a dedicated Teacher Forum that showcased cutting-edge research and innovative practices in AI-enhanced education. This forum provided a valuable opportunity for educators to learn from each other and explore the potential of AI to transform teaching and learning.

Two prominent themes emerged from the Teacher Forum: STEAM education and computational thinking. STEAM education, which integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, is crucial for preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century. AI can play a significant role in STEAM education by providing personalized learning experiences, automating routine tasks, and enabling students to explore complex concepts in an engaging way. Computational thinking, which involves problem-solving, logical reasoning, and algorithmic thinking, is another essential skill for students in the digital age. AI-powered tools can help students develop computational thinking skills through coding, data analysis, and simulation activities.

The Teacher Forum highlighted several innovative teaching practices that leverage AI to enhance student learning. These practices include using AI-powered tutoring systems to provide personalized feedback, employing AI-based assessment tools to track student progress, and utilizing AI-driven content creation platforms to develop engaging learning materials. Furthermore, the integration of AI in language education, particularly in teaching Chinese, was a recurring topic, with examples of AI being used to enhance reading comprehension and language skills.

Several case studies presented at the Teacher Forum demonstrated the practical applications of AI in education. For example, one study explored the use of AI to enhance students' English oral skills in junior secondary schools. Another study investigated the relationship between generative AI learning tools and student motivation in Chinese history classes. These case studies provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of AI-based interventions and offer practical guidance for educators looking to implement similar approaches in their own classrooms. Research also focused on addressing challenges such as digital burdens faced by teachers and exploring effective strategies for integrating technology into curriculum design.

While AI offers tremendous potential for transforming education, it also presents several challenges. These challenges include ensuring equitable access to technology, addressing ethical concerns related to data privacy and algorithmic bias, and providing adequate training and support for educators. Overcoming these challenges will require a collaborative effort from researchers, policymakers, and educators. However, the opportunities for AI to personalize learning, improve student outcomes, and prepare students for the future are too significant to ignore.

The Teacher Forum at GCCCE 2025 painted a compelling vision of the future of learning, where AI serves as a catalyst for innovation and transformation. By embracing AI and integrating it thoughtfully into educational practices, educators can empower students to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and creative problem-solvers. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is essential for educators to stay informed, experiment with new approaches, and collaborate with others to unlock the full potential of AI in education. The integration of AI in education is not just about technology; it's about creating a more engaging, personalized, and effective learning experience for all students. The insights and experiences shared at the GCCCE 2025 Teacher Forum provide a valuable roadmap for navigating this exciting and transformative journey.