Workshop Details
Time: 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm (HK time)
Venue: Conducted via Zoom
Speakers: Dr. Christophe Coupé, Assistant Professor, Department of Linguistics, School of Humanities
Abstract
Introducing the epistemology of computational modelling or recent progress in natural language processing can be challenging, especially with students whose core subjects of study do not involve computer science or mathematics. This is for instance often the case with students from HKU Faculty of Arts. Being aware of the role machines and digital tools play in research, art, and, beyond, in our everyday lives, is however ever-more relevant.
A possible way to tackle this challenge is to develop tailored software tools to let students experiment and experience without having to deal with programming. This allows to focus on what truly matters: new opportunities, limits and possible pitfalls.
After briefly introducing the teaching philosophy underlying the previous approach, we will consider a few concrete cases to suggest i) that any topic may benefit from the development of T&L digital tools, ii) that these tools and their design can co-evolve with the broader pedagogical process, iii) that they can form the basis of ambitious research projects, and iv) that art and creativity can be considered along the way.
About the Speakers
Dr. Christophe Coupé is Assistant Professor in the Linguistics Department at the University of Hong Kong since 2018. He was previously a CNRS researcher at the ‘Laboratoire Dynamique du Langage’ in Lyon, France. His research focuses on the application of data science and natural language processing to a range of questions in cognitive science, linguistics and social psychology. He teaches in the Faculty of Arts and in the Common Core Program, and received the HKU University Outstanding Teaching Award in 2021.