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)

Oral Presentation Time: 1600-1700

Venue: Peony Room, Lower Level II

Presenter(s)

– Dr Pui Pui Phoebe CHEUNG, Assistant Professor (Occupational Therapy), Academic Team, Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education

– Dr Anna Aracelly OLGUIN, Assistant Professor, Academic Team, Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education

Abstract

The United Nation Convention on the Rights of Child (UNCRC 1989) ensures the right of all children to have their basic needs taken care of, to be protected at all times, and to participate in decisions that will affect their lives. Unfortunately, millions of children around the world are deprived of these rights. As countries adopt, adapt, and uphold Child’s Rights and Protection protocols, there is a palpable need for information. Practices such as mandated reporting, enacted as law in some Western countries since the 1960’s, are now making their way to places in Hong Kong and teachers will be accountable to report. This presentation has dual objectives. One is to understand pre-service teachers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding child rights and protection pre and post course taking utilizing a co-design thinking approach. The second objective is to share information about a project aiming at co-constructing a culturally relevant Child’s Rights and Protection educational framework with parents who are Ethnic Minorities and/or parents of Special Education Needs children. From these perspectives, the knowledge and attitudes about child rights & protection among the preservice teachers and the voice of the caregivers are of immense importance towards the wellbeing of children in vulnerable populations.

Theme: 2. Thematic Exploration

Sub-theme: Whole-person Development & Diversity and Inclusion Education

Oral Presentation Time: 1600-1700

Venue: Peony Room, Lower Level II

Presenters(s)

– Dr Joseph Yui-yip LAU, Interim Head of Student Affairs and Senior Lecturer, Division of Business and Hospitality Management, College of Professional and Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Abstract

A large number of students enrolled in sub-degree programmes and self-financing degree programmes in self-financing post-secondary institutions each year. As such, self-financing post-secondary institutions perform a significant role in the higher education sector in Hong Kong. To the best of the author’s knowledge, most of the students are eager to achieve whole-person development to equip themselves before graduation. In other words, they strive toward becoming a preferred graduate to establish a career path or articulate to the ‘desirable’ universities for further study. This study illustrates the Student Affairs Office to address the key challenges of developing whole person development programme, deliver successful cases of the formation of a structured whole-person development programme, and point out the roadmap to the future whole-person development programme in the forthcoming years. As expected, the study may provide valuable insights to policymakers, educators, higher education institutions, and researchers to develop a future research agenda and policy.

Theme: 2. Thematic Exploration

Sub-theme: Whole-person Development & Diversity and Inclusion Education

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: K4, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Dr Kin Yat LIU, Lecturer, Statistics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Abstract

“Correlation does not imply causation” is an important concept that is included in almost all introductory statistics courses. Comprehending this concept is crucial for students to grasp advanced statistical concepts like multivariate analysis, Simpson’s paradox, and causal inference. However, the intricacies of this principle are often not explored in depth. To address this, we employ simulated experiences and the use of Monte Carlo simulation to provide students with an understanding of the significance and fundamental nature of the idea that “correlation does not imply causation.”

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: 1.4  Other UGC grants, Quality Education Fund (QEF), and Quality Enhancement Support Scheme (QESS)

Poster Presentation Time: 1225-1400; 1500-1600

Venue: L5, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Ms Janet Ching Man TSE, Assistant Programme Administrator, School of Continuing and Professional Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Abstract

InternVision envisages to be an ingenious and resourceful Virtual Reality (VR) platform with interactive contents of real-life workplace simulations for enhancing practical skills and professional related concepts, reaction and decision making at a multitude of careers. Encompassing a series of VR simulations, the dual platforms of InternVision – a VR Head-Mounted Display System and a Mobile Application (app), will host internship scenarios for preparing and fostering the readiness of students of CUSCS full-time programmes at their future workplace. By integrating with the use of VR technology, InternVision enables students to gain exposure and understanding from an immersive environment where an array of tasks are assigned in each virtual simulation. Students can gain confidence and familiarity with a ‘re-try’ opportunity for self-reflection and get further improvement before the commencement of actual internship and future career. Appending with its mobile app, InternVision allows greater flexibility, convenience and user-friendliness for students of different disciplines to maneuver the VR simulations freely without time limit, to develop a deeper understanding of their roles related to their own profession and to achieve the intended learning outcomes. Self-learning materials and guidelines will also supplement the platform to support their internship training and experiential learning, especially at the recurrent waves of pandemic when internship arrangement may be affected. This presentation endeavours to share ideas on how InternVision can blend in and enrich internship preparation with a sample illustration and how it can enhance experience exchange by connecting students with internship supervisors and peer groups via technologies.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: 1.4  Other UGC grants, Quality Education Fund (QEF), and Quality Enhancement Support Scheme (QESS)

Poster Presentation Time: 1225-1400; 1500-1600

Venue: L4, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Mr Kevin CHEUNG, Assistant Head of Academic Programmes (Full-time), School of Continuing and Professional Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Abstract

The iLearn English mobile application, developed by School of Continuing and Professional Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUSCS) with QESS funding, is a sustainable mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) platform designed to enhance English proficiency among learners. Addressing the need for dynamic and engaging language learning tools, iLearn English incorporates daily reading, vocabulary, grammar exercises, and extended reading experiences to foster self-directed learning and sustain learner engagement. Research on student preferences and educational trends underscores a growing appetite for technology-enhanced learning. iLearn English meets this need by offering a personalised, accessible and multi-modal learning environment. Since its launch in February 2020, the app has logged over 10,000 users, affirming its success in enriching English language proficiency. The app has significantly improved learning experiences, fostering self-learning habits among users. Nearly 90% of students surveyed report satisfaction, noting enhanced language skills and increased motivation. iLearn English exemplifies a sustainable language education model through its diversity, flexibility, autonomy and connectedness. Moreover, it supports environmental sustainability by promoting technology integration in education. This initiative highlights the transformative potential of mobile applications in delivering accessible and efficient language learning solutions.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: 1.4  Other UGC grants, Quality Education Fund (QEF), and Quality Enhancement Support Scheme (QESS)

Oral Presentation Time: 1400-1500

Venue: Peony Room, Lower Level II

Presenter(s)

– Ms Carrie Ka Yee CHENG, Head of Academic Programmes (Full-time), School of Continuing and Professional Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Abstract

Encompassing 20 Virtual Reality (VR) simulations across 15 academic disciplines for pre-internship training, InternVision – a dual platform of a VR head-mounted display system and a mobile application (app), is developed and launched for enhancing the work-readiness of all full-time students at School of Continuing and Professional Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUSCS). InternVision envisages to be an ingenious and resourceful platform with interactive contents of real-life workplace scenarios for elevating job competency, enhancing professional related concepts, reactions and decision making at internships, and thus formulating an insightful immersive experience for empowering learners to a multitude of careers. This oral presentation endeavours to share ideas and success factors on how InternVision is designed, constituted and operated in line with our expected high effectiveness and promising satisfaction. Via seamlessly integrating technologies at the VR system and appending with its user-friendly mobile app, InternVision brings forth greater flexibility, confidence and motivation for students to gear up for their internships and maneuver their learning more freely beyond time and location constraints. By visualising the simulations, a deeper understanding of their roles regarding their own profession can be yielded for further self-reflection, and hence achieving the intended learning outcomes. InternVision can be framed as a comprehensive and impactful solution for enhancing internship preparation and consolidating student success for a world of future profession.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: Quality Education Fund (QEF), and Quality Enhancement Support Scheme (QESS)

Poster Presentation Time: 1225-1400; 1500-1600

Venue: K3, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Professor Apple Pui Yi CHUI, Research Assistant Professor, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Abstract

Coral reef restoration is a rapidly growing public engagement by many marine scientists, citizen scientists, NGOs and the public worldwide prompted by the accelerating degradation of global coral reefs along with the associated losses in the key ecosystem services. The Coral Academy at The Chinese University of Hong Kong is a scientific research team led by Dr. Apple Chui, which aims to explore interventions to enhance coral resilience and develop effective coral restoration techniques in Hong Kong. Leveraging this knowledge and unique expertise, the Academy also dedicates efforts to environmental education programmes that cultivate ocean literacy among local communities. The Academy’s flagship programme, the School Coral Nursery Education Programme, is a hands-on stewardship initiative that engages students in coral restoration activities, connecting them to the conservation of these marine ecosystems. Additionally, the Academy organizes a range of engaging learning experiences aimed at increasing participants’ knowledge and awareness, empowering them to take actions in support of coral conservation. These efforts also foster partnerships between academia, government, and non-governmental organizations in Hong Kong. This poster will highlight examples of the experiential learning methods adopted by the Academy to promote ocean literacy and public stewardship for local coral conservation.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: 1.4  Other UGC grants, Quality Education Fund (QEF), and Quality Enhancement Support Scheme (QESS)