Oral Presentation Time: 1400-1500

Venue: Rose Room, Lower Level II

Presenter(s)

– Dr Aftab AMIN, Teaching Associate, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) empower educators to develop active-learning pedagogical approaches that motivate students to simultaneously engage, develop knowledge, social skills, and subject interest. To initiate VR/AR learning at the Division of Life Science (LIFS), HKUST, LIFS1904 Laboratory for General Biology II (comprising four experiments, ~300 diverse learners) was selected. In recent years, increasing enrollment has created manpower and space shortages, while post-pandemic issues have made student learning and the acquisition of resources, such as rat cadavers for teaching anatomy, physiology, and dissection more challenging. To address pressing issues, enhance active-learning, and make practical transitions fluid and cohesive, gamification is being used to develop a customizable, Virtual Reality Platform (VRP). A story-based narrative has also been implemented to create immersive, engaging, memorable and impactful pedagogy. In this presentation we will examine the deliverables of the project. Some of the findings from our student surveys, focus groups and interviews will also be shared to provide a better understanding of how technology-driven pedagogical innovations can facilitate active learning, information literacy, enhance student support, and facilitate peer-teaching, so that graduate attributes can be delivered.

Theme: 1: Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: Strategic Development of Virtual Teaching and Learning (VTL)

Poster Presentation Time: 1225-1400; 1500-1600

Venue: J4, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Dr Beatrice CHU, Head, Professional Development, Center for Education Innovation, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Abstract

The “Co-Creating the Future of Education” project, a collaborative effort led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), alongside the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), advances the Student as Partners (SaP) approach within Hong Kong’s higher education sector. This initiative aims to transform pedagogical models by embedding student engagement in the learning process. Key objectives include enhancing professional development programs, enabling faculty and staff to collaborate effectively with students, and establishing a standardized evaluation framework to measure the impact of SaP initiatives. The project also emphasizes the creation of a Community of Practice for Student Partnership, facilitating the exchange of successful strategies and supporting ongoing SaP projects. Additionally, the Student Partnership Co-Creation Program is a cornerstone objective, fostering innovative ideas and collaborative efforts between students and faculty. Progress to date includes the successful implementation of five key focus areas: organizing professional development seminars, establishing a resource hub, and initiating the Student Partnership Co-Creation Program. Notably, 20 teams from various institutions participated in this program, yielding high satisfaction rates and valuable insights. Ultimately, this project seeks to create a sustainable, collaborative ecosystem that enhances student agency, faculty development, and curriculum innovation across participating institutions.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: 1.1  Teaching Development and Language Enhancement Grant (TDLEG)

Poster Presentation Time: 1225-1400; 1500-1600

Venue: C2, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Professor Bin LI, Associate Professor, Department of Linguistics and Translation, City University of Hong Kong

– Dr Yee Na LI, Part-time Research Associate, Department of Linguistics and Translation, City University of Hong Kong

Abstract

Our ten years’ evidence-based study revealed that the alternative pathway from sub-degree to degree studies is viable while challenging for Senior Year Admission (SYA) students. The inadequate alignment between sub-degree and university programmes is the main determinant of their heavy academic workload. Their transitional challenges call for an examination of the existing programme articulation process and academic advising to SYA students. In response to their needs, the project sustains our previous work from UGC-funded and TDG sustainability projects to promote best practices to support SYA students. An online Cross Institutional Credit-transfer Information System (CICIS) was launched to enhance the transparency of credit transfer and facilitate smooth transition of SYA students. Another student-centred Resources Website was developed to provide cross-institutional support to SYA students from the first point of transferring to universities. In addition, a series of collaborative activities, such as an international Credit Transfer Conference, local and overseas webinar sessions and the Internationalisation-at-Home (IaH) programme, has been organised. The project provides implications to administrators and policy makers in higher education, informing policies and practices to optimize the transfer experience for students’ greater success in universities and in the society.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: 1.1 Teaching Development and Language Enhancement Grant (TDLEG)

Poster Presentation Time: 1225-1400; 1500-1600

Venue: K2, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Dr Sean MCMINN, Director, Center for Education Innovation, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Abstract

This project aims to develop a Co-Instructrional Designer platform to assist instructors in creating course materials. By leveraging Generative AI, the platform will support faculty members in designing course outlines, content, learning activities, assignments, and rubrics aligned with learning outcomes. The platform will connect to a Center for Education Innovation (CEI)-managed knowledge base containing curated pedagogies and best practices. Instructors will interact with the platform through pre-defined prompts, receiving tailored guidance that they can evaluate and adapt to meet their specific course needs. Key features of the platform include front-end interfaces for instructors and system administrators, robust technical architecture for file storage, and conversation history management. Having completed the Proof-of-Concept phase, implementation will proceed with structuring the knowledge base, developing the frontend, integrating the system, and conducting testing, with the final rollout planned for Fall 2025/26. The project will benefit approximately 750 faculty members and teaching staff at HKUST. This tool has multiple applications: it can serve as a co-designer for faculty, support quality assurance, assist with faculty development, and aid in Teaching and Learning Innovation Pedagogy and Blended Learning Projects. Success will be measured by the quality of responses in testing scenarios, training participation and satisfaction, and overall platform usage.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: 1.2  Fund for Innovative Technology-in-Education (FITE)

Poster Presentation Time: 1225-1400; 1500-1600

Venue: H4, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Mr Isaac Ka Chun WAN, Instructional Designer, Centre for Education Innovation, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Abstract

The use of videos in asynchronous learning significantly enhances the educational experience, especially for intricate or abstract concepts. Videos allow students to adapt their learning pace, fostering a more flexible and personalized process. However, traditional video lectures often promote passive learning, making it hard for instructors to monitor students’ progress effectively. To address these challenges and help instructors create an interactive video-based learning environment, a strategic workflow has been developed. This workflow incorporates two customized digital tools that facilitate the creation of engaging video elements and provide detailed analytics on student engagement and progress. As a result, students are empowered in their asynchronous learning journey.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: 1.3  Special UGC Grant for Strategic Development of Virtual Teaching and Learning (VTL)

Oral Presentation Time: 1400-1500

Venue: Rose Room, Lower Level II

Presenter(s)

– Dr Ronnie SHROFF, Principal Project Fellow, Teaching and Learning Centre, Lingnan University

Abstract

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University Grants Committee (UGC) and the Quality Assurance Council (QAC) allocated dedicated funding to support the strategic long-term development of virtual teaching and learning (VTL) in Hong Kong’s eight UGC-funded universities. Lingnan University, as the lead institution of a consortium of six participating universities, secured funding to establish benchmarking practices and quality assurance standards on VTL that reference internationally accepted standards within the local context. This project aims to strengthen institutional capabilities and enhance the quality of VTL provision, including online teaching and learning, distance education delivery, and technology-enhanced learning. The project involves collaboration and funding from The University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the City University of Hong Kong, as well as in-kind support from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The primary objective of this project is to establish a shared quality assurance framework and standards for online learning and teaching that align with local and global standards. By adopting a collaborative approach, this project seeks to enhance the quality of VTL as a key strategic focus area of institutional development and performance improvement. This presentation will provide an overview of the project’s key objectives, methodology and outcomes. It will also discuss the challenges encountered and lessons learned in developing quality assurance and benchmarking standards for VTL across universities. Finally, the presentation will conclude with recommendations for future collaborations to enhance the quality of VTL provision within the Hong Kong higher education context.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: Strategic Development of Virtual Teaching and Learning (VTL)

Poster Presentation Time: 1225-1400; 1500-1600

Venue: A3, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Professor Suntong QI, Assistant Professor of Teaching, Department of Marketing and International Business, Lingnan University

Abstract

As the adoption of AI-generated content (AIGC) continues to grow in educational settings, it is crucial to understand its impact on student learning experiences. Through surveys with undergraduate students, we explore students’ attitudes, perceptions, and expectations toward AIGC in their academic pursuits. By examining the student perspective, the presentation will provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of AIGC in education. It will highlight the strategies and best practices that educational institutions can implement to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AIGC, empowering students to navigate this technological landscape effectively.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: 1.1  Teaching Development and Language Enhancement Grant (TDLEG)

Oral Presentation Time: 1400-1500

Venue: Fanling Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Mr Jac LEUNG, Lecturer, Division of Integrative Systems and Design, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Abstract

This project explores the intersection of Generative AI, reflection and experiential learning, highlighting GenAI’s pivotal role in fostering deeper cognitive processes and the attainment of complex knowledge structures. In recognition of the multifaceted dimensions of reflection, we aim to examine GenAI’s role in promoting different focuses of reflection including technical reflection on efficiency of attaining goals; practical reflection on challenging assumptions and establishing identities; and critical reflection on reflecting within a broader consideration of socio-historical and political-cultural context. GenAI is widely praised for its ability to serve as agent to writing and agent to knowledge. This study explores GenAI’s potential as agent to reflect, offering a perspective transformation devoid of judgement and social bias. We adopt an action research approach to accommodate both the rapidly growing research area and state-of-the-art teaching innovations. To examine the roles of GenAI in various types of experiential learning contexts, a 3-year collaboration project consists of four local universities in Hong Kong was initiated in early 2024. Participating students are of diverse background in science, social science, engineering, business, and health profession (radiography). Reflective exercises are designed according to the course context and the type of experiences within entrepreneurship education, social innovation, and health professional training.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: Innovative Technology-in-Education

Oral Presentation Time: 1400-1500

Venue: Camomile Room, Lower Level II

Team member(s)

– Professor Alvin Chung Man LEUNG, Associate Head & Associate Professor, Department of Information Systems, City University of Hong Kong

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of online learning, where learners must engage in self-regulated learning (SRL) to achieve optimal outcomes. Gamification interventions have been implemented to improve SRL engagement in online environments, but the mixed results of these efforts have raised doubts about their efficacy. This study investigates whether the inconsistent findings can be attributed to a lack of consideration for individual learner characteristics during gamification design. Focusing on Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), we examined how gamified performance feedback interacted with learners’ goal orientation, an individual trait known to influence SRL and learning. By tracking the SRL engagement of 760 college students over five weeks using learning analytics, we found that positively framed performance feedback without social comparisons increased SRL engagement and learning outcomes for participants with a strong performance-avoidance goal orientation. Conversely, the same feedback had a negative impact on participants with a strong mastery goal orientation. These findings contribute to SRL theory by demonstrating that the effectiveness of gamification in online learning is contingent on aligning the design elements with individual learner characteristics and highlight the importance of personalized gamification approaches to optimize SRL and learning in MOOC.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: Teaching Development and Language Enhancement

Oral Presentation Time: 1400-1500

Venue: Fanling Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Mr Jungjin PARK, PhD student, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

– Professor Larry LI, Associate Head & Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technolog

Abstract

Immersive technologies come in various forms and names, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and recently spatial computing. While higher education has always been at the forefront of experimenting with such technologies in the classroom, the ubiquity of smartphones and tablets – capable of creating robust AR experiences – has made it possible for wider adoption in recent years. In this presentation, we highlight lessons learned from a pilot project that leveraged AR to enhance aerospace laboratory training at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and how this effort is being expanded across multiple disciplines such as pulmonary physiotherapy and forensic pathology. In particular, we share our vision to combine AR and large language models (LLMs) to design truly immersive learning experiences that can be effectively deployed into classrooms. When combined, the two technologies mutually benefit and supplement their respective advantages and limitations, thereby overcoming many of the current challenges faced by educators when deploying either on their own.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme:  Innovative Technology-in-Education

Poster Presentation Time: 1225-1400; 1500-1600

Venue: A2, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Professor Helen Hongyan GENG, Assistant Professor of Teaching, Science Unit, Lingnan University

Abstract

This study investigates the implementation of co-teaching in four general education courses — Earth Science, Environmental Science, Ecology, and Law—centered around the theme of carbon footprint. The project unfolds in two phases. Phase I engages Earth Science and Environmental Science in a structured debate on climate change, aiming to enhance students’ critical thinking by juxtaposing evidence supporting climate change against skeptical views. Phase II extends the co-teaching model to include Earth Science, Law, and Ecology, with a focus on groundwater pollution, to highlight a multidisciplinary approach to the issue. Throughout both phases, students from the co-teaching courses assimilated both face-to-face and online, concluding with individual research projects that analyze their co-teaching experiences. This study aims to promote curiosity-driven learning, nurture multidisciplinary education, and enhance students’ critical thinking and analytical competence.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: 1.1  Teaching Development and Language Enhancement Grant (TDLEG)

Oral Presentation Time: 1600-1700

Venue: Fanling Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Professor Meike SAURWEIN, Lecturer, Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

– Ms Evelyn Yu Shan PANG, Teaching Associate, Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Abstract

In an era of complex global challenges, the need for interdisciplinary approaches in sustainability education has never been more critical. The Sustainability Education Community of Practice (SEC) aims to build on the power of interdisciplinary collaboration to foster innovative solutions and drive transformation in how we teach sustainability. SEC brings together faculty, staff and postgraduate researchers from diverse fields, including science, humanities, business, and engineering, who share a passion for teaching sustainability and an interest in innovating how we teach sustainability on campus. Our work centers on bringing together educators to form a platform for teaching collaboration, development of new teaching approaches and a network for sharing and learning. Through a serious or networking events, interactive workshops and focused support initiatives we aimed at supporting faculty and staff in developing new approaches towards teaching sustainability, discuss challenges, share tools and build up a support network. This presentation will showcase HKUST SEC’s key initiatives, including interdisciplinary workshops and collaborative teaching projects. We will highlight successful case studies that demonstrate the impact of our approach on building a community of educators who are passionate about driving sustainability. Attendees will gain insights into strategies for fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, learn about potential challenges and possibly be inspired to incorporate these practices into their own educational contexts.

Theme: 2. Thematic Exploration

Sub-theme: Community of Practice (CoP)