English Workshop 11: Students Learn to Use AI Effectively in Academic Settings

To equip students with essential skills in an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming education, the Faculty of English organized English Workshop 11 on the morning of June 3. The workshop focused on the effective application of AI in learning and academic research.

The program provided students with a comprehensive understanding of AI's role in modern education while emphasizing how AI should be used as a supportive learning tool rather than something to rely on entirely. The guest speakers were Ms. Tracy Huynh, M.A., Senior Trainer at the HCM TESOL Association, and Ms. Quỳnh Hương, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate, AI okviphoatdong Specialist and AI Trainer.

Representatives of the Faculty of English presented certificates of appreciation to the guest speakers.

During the workshop, the speakers introduced a variety of emerging AI applications in education, including using AI to search for information, generate ideas, improve language skills, support academic research, and complete academic tasks. In addition to discussing the many benefits of AI, students also explored important issues related to academic ethics, transparency, and responsible AI use in educational settings.

The speakers highlighted the essential role of AI in learning and academic research.

One of the workshop's key topics was prompt engineering—the skill of creating effective prompts to interact with AI tools. Through practical examples, students learned how to ask clear questions, provide appropriate context, and critically evaluate AI-generated information. They came to understand that the quality of AI-generated responses depends largely on the user's critical thinking and ability to guide the interaction.

The speakers and faculty members also introduced students to several widely used AI tools, including Gemini and NotebookLM, and demonstrated how to write effective prompts using the CREATE prompting framework.

Students received hands-on guidance on using AI tools effectively.

The workshop also emphasized AI's role as a learning assistant that can help students improve productivity, broaden their knowledge, and strengthen independent learning skills. However, the speakers stressed that AI cannot replace independent thinking, creativity, or academic responsibility. Students were encouraged to verify AI-generated information, cite sources appropriately, and adhere to the principles of academic integrity.

Through this workshop, students from the Faculty of English not only gained up-to-date knowledge about AI technologies but also acquired practical tools to enhance their learning and research, preparing them more effectively for the demands of the future workplace.