On the afternoon of May 29, the Jingyi College hosted its 16th session of the "Tea Time with Mentors" activity. Professor Wang Yanning from the College of Engineering at Shantou University was invited as the guest speaker, sharing his insights with students on the theme "What Kind of University Education Do We Need in the AI Era?" The event was moderated by Wang Wan, a counselor at Jingyi College.
Centering on the core question—"What is the significance of pursuing a university education in the AI era?"—Professor Wang shared his perspectives against the backdrop of AI's growing prevalence. He pointed out that AI has already been able to replace a large number of basic tasks, and this technological transformation brings about two major changes: the democratization of knowledge and the divergence of personal growth. He encouraged students to recognize their own strengths, proactively adapt to the learning paradigms of the AI era, and become masters of tools rather than slaves to them.
During the sharing session, Professor Wang recommended two books—The Aims of Education and After the Admission Exam—noting that the true essence of education lies in awakening independent thinking, and that the value of university lies in providing space for trial and error as well as self-discovery. In response to growth in the AI era, he offered suggestions such as making good use of AI for mechanical tasks and conducting regular self-reflection and revision to foster personal development. He also engaged in an interactive exchange with the faculty and students present.
In the interactive session, students raised enthusiastic questions on topics such as the boundaries of using AI tools, interdisciplinary learning pathways, and career direction choices. Professor Wang responded to each question based on his own experience, creating a lively and cordial atmosphere. In closing, he quoted the educator Alfred North Whitehead: "The whole purpose of education is to turn the mind into a living fountain of wisdom." He encouraged students to make good use of tools, stay true to their core values, and grow into independent individuals who cannot be replaced by AI.
This "Tea Time with Mentors" session was an important practice for the college in advancing innovative approaches to education in the AI era. By fostering a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere for dialogue, it built a platform for interaction between mentors and students, helping students confront their uncertainties, reshape their understanding of learning, and identify their future directions. The college will continue to organize diverse educational activities that cater to students' growth needs, offering comprehensive support to help them thrive and succeed.
Photos by: Peng Canrong
