CDS Alumni Lifelong Learning

Alumni Learning @ HKUCDS – AI Literacy for HKU Alumni

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we live and work. To help our alumni stay ahead, the School of Computing and Data Science (CDS), established in 2024 and comprising the Department of Computer Science (CS) and the Department of Statistics & Actuarial Science, has launched an Alumni Lifelong Learning program.

The School of Computing & Data Science and the Department of Computer Science cordially invite CS alumni to return to their academic home to participate in the inaugural course of the Alumni Lifelong Learning program, titled “AI Literacy for HKU Alumni.”  

This free, in-person mini-course will be held over four Wednesday evenings at HKU starting in late February; it will be taught by esteemed lecturers from CDS, including Dr. Chi-Man Liu and Dr. Alan Dougherty (Dr. Liu is also a CS alumnus).  This course is designed especially for the CS alumni, with priority given to earlier graduates. By attending, participants will gain:
·       A clear, accessible understanding of modern AI and large language models
·       Practical skills for using AI as your smart assistant in everyday tasks—from drafting emails and reports to explaining code and planning workflows. 

Program Overview

Across four interactive evening sessions, you will see live demonstrations, try real tools with your own examples, and explore how AI can support – rather than replace – your professional judgement.

Key Takeaways

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand, in plain language, how contemporary AI and large language models work
  • Use AI tools to support writing, summarising, explaining code and ideation
  • Review AI‑generated content for accuracy, tone and confidentiality
  • Integrate AI into individual and team workflows in a safe and responsible way
  • Experiment with AI tools without creating unnecessary risks for their organisations

Course Information

  • Title: AI Literacy for HKU Alumni
  • Audience:  HKU Computer Science alumni
  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Dates:  25 Feb, 04 Mar, 11 Mar, 18 Mar 2026
  • Time:  19:00 – 21:30
  • Location:   HW312, 3/F, Haking Wong Building, HKU
  • Instructors:  Dr Chi-Man Liu & Dr Alan Dougherty
  • Course Fee: Free for HKU CS Alumni
  • Quota:  80 places 

Course Outline

  • Session 1 – Understanding Modern AI
    25 February 2026 (19:00-21:30)
    An introduction to how today’s AI and large language models work, with simple demonstrations and exercises that highlight both their strengths and their limitations.

    Session 2 – Using AI in Your Daily Work
    4 March 2026 (19:00-21:30)
    Hands‑on practice using AI to assist with everyday tasks such as writing emails, preparing documents and explaining small pieces of code, with straightforward patterns for asking effective questions and checking the answers.

    Session 3 – Integrating AI into Team Workflows
    11 March 2026 (19:00-21:30)
    An exploration of how AI features are integrated into common tools (IDEs, office applications, search and collaboration platforms), followed by group work to sketch realistic AI‑supported team processes and establish shared rules for their use.

    Session 4 – Building Small Apps with AI
    18 March 2026 (19:00-21:30)
    A discussion of how AI is reshaping computing‑related roles, followed by an extended lab in which participants use AI‑assisted coding to sketch simple apps or scripts in a short time. The series will conclude with informal conversation and refreshments.

Additional Details

  • Dates:

    • 25 February 2026 (19:00-21:30) – Session 1
    • 04 March 2026 (19:00-21:30) – Session 2
    • 11 March 2026 (19:00-21:30) – Session 3
    • 18 March 2026 (19:00-21:30) – Session 4

Remark: 

Knowledge is your reward. This initiative is intended to support your own lifelong learning and your capacity to guide others. CDS does not offer academic credit or formal certification for this course.

The registration was closed.