AI in Academia: DIU Debuts Mega Student Research Seminar

Aug 27, 2025 14:12

Aug 27, 2025 14:13

For the first time in Bangladesh, a mega student resAIearch seminar was held at Daffodil International University (DIU) to explore the potential benefits and necessary cautions in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools into language learning.

Titled “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in English Language Learning,” the seminar featured student-led experiments with leading AI tools such as ChatGPT, Quillbot, Grammarly, Google Assistant, and Duolingo. The event concluded with recognition for the top three student research papers, with the project “The Impact of ChatGPT-based Prompt Engineering on Assignment Writing Skills of Students of the Faculty of Social Sciences” securing the first position.

The two-day seminar included keynote discussions by Dr. Monjurul Abedin, Associate Professor in the Department of Education at the University of West London, and Dr. Bijoy Lal Basu, Professor of English at Dhaka University. Both speakers highlighted growing dependence on AI tools and raised critical concerns regarding plagiarism, authorship, and ethical use. They emphasized acknowledging AI’s presence in education while stressing the importance of clear institutional policies for responsible integration.

Dr. Obaid Hamid, Associate Professor at the University of Queensland, Australia, urged participants to be “extremely imaginative” in leveraging AI for academic progress. However, he also cautioned against the risk of becoming “obediently imaginative” under the pressures of techno-capitalism, drawing comparisons with the use of AI tools.

Guided by Assistant Professor Rabeya Binte Habib, final-year English Department students presented 31 original research papers across six broad themes. On the first day, DIU’s internal judges reviewed all submissions, while on the second day, 11 selected papers were showcased in a second round before distinguished external and DIU reviewers.

The research topics included: