【Article by GCIT】

The Master’s Program in Global Communication and Innovation Technology (GCIT) at National Chengchi University (NCCU) successfully concluded its three-week summer course “AI and Communication,” in June and July 2025. The course was led by distinguished scholar Dr. Sunny Xun Liu, Director of Research at the Stanford Social Media Lab, , and brought together students and invited experts to explore the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and communication.

Designed to offer both theoretical and practical perspectives, the course featured interactive lectures and dynamic guest talks covering a diverse range of topics—from social robots and the ethics of AI to the emotional impact of technology and strategies to counter misinformation. Dr. Liu guided students through foundational concepts such as algorithmic aversion, appreciation, and the societal implications of emerging technologies.

A highlight of the course was the roster of distinguished guest speakers throughout the weeks:

• Anja Stevic (Postdoctoral Fellow) offered insights into AI literacy and digital well-being, prompting students to critically reflect on their social media habits and emotional impact of their screen time.
• Sarah Wu (Predoctoral Fellow) presented on AI, art, and creativity, stimulating thought-provoking discussions about artistic intention and the authenticity of AI-generated artworks.
• Anna Carolina Queiroz (Associate Professor, University of Miami) introduced cutting-edge mixed reality technologies, underscoring their transformative potential in education, healthcare, and beyond.
• Ryan Moore (Ph.D. Student) shared research on technology adoption among elders, including the development of educational AI literacy videos targeted at senior populations.
• Harry Yan (Postdoctoral Fellow) examined computational propaganda and online deception, illuminating how bots manipulate information on social platforms.
• Fangjing Tu (Postdoctoral Fellow) on the critical issue of misinformation, incorporating an engaging educational game that challenged students to discern real news from misleading news.
• Angela Lee (Ph.D. Candidate) with a session on mental models and AI, exploring how individuals form perceptions of AI systems through metaphors and folk theories.

In addition to expert-led sessions, students engaged in hands-on learning activities such as developing AI literacy course syllabi, maintaining digital loop journals to track their own digital habits and emotional responses, and collaborating on original research projects. The program culminated in student project presentations and a celebratory pizza party, fostering a sense of community and academic achievement.

Through rigorous coursework, interactive workshops, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the “AI and Communication” summer course provided GCIT students with a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of leading trends and challenges in AI and media, while also building global connections.

This course not only enriched students’ academic and practical experiences, but also reflected GCIT’s dedication to fostering globally-minded, innovative leaders equipped for the age of digital transformation. Looking ahead, GCIT remains committed to offering cutting-edge curricula, expanding international collaborations, and empowering students to drive positive change at the intersection of communication and technology.

[此中英文稿和圖片獲中華民國文化部的補助；全球傳播與創新科技碩士學位學程亦獲文化部與教育部高等教育深耕計畫補助。]