Poster Presentation Time: 1225-1400; 1500-1600

Venue: H2, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Dr Pauli LAI, Lecturer, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

– Dr Julia CHEN, Director, Educational Development Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Abstract

A common assessment in university is the oral presentation, and students are often required to deliver presentations in English. Two challenges arise. First, many students mainly focus on the discipline content in the assessment preparation process rather than the communication or use of English in their presentations. Second, lecturers of large classes (e.g. around 200 engineering students in one course) hardly have time to give feedback to each student on the English communication aspect of their oral presentations. A baseline survey reveals students’ need for assistance with presentation skills and a hope for having AI-generated feedback among both students and discipline teachers. To address these needs and hope, a team of educators from PolyU and BU with expertise in language and AI technology collaboratively developed an online English oral presentation platform called SmartPresenter. SmartPresenter provides students with presentation tips, learning materials, and extensive AI-generated feedback on the communication-related aspects of delivering oral presentations in English, including eye contact, facial expressions, vocal fillers, pronunciation, and fluency. This presentation describes the development and features of SmartPresenter, and the evaluation results of the effectiveness of the platform in facilitating independent learning practices for English oral presentations and assisting teachers in grading presentation assessment.

Theme: 1: Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: 1.3  Special UGC Grant for 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: Rose Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Dr Thomas LEE, Associate Professor and Associate Head (Academic) Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

– Dr Hin Chung LAU, Senior Lecturer, Programme Leader (BSc), and Assistant Dean (Student Development) of Faculty of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

– Ms Jessie KAR, Instructor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

– Ms Rahat BATOOL, Student, Educational Development Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

– Mr Mitesh PATEL, Educational Development Officer, Educational Development Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

– Mr Leo CHON, Assistant Educational Development Officer II, Educational Development Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University,

Abstract

Students in Hong Kong have generally been perceived as passive learners, with limited opportunities for active involvement in the development of educational experiences. Here, we would like to showcase the untapped potential of students as co-creators in subject development. By harnessing the power of Student-Staff Partnership (SSP), teachers can unlock the full potential of students, creating a dynamic and enriched learning environment that benefits both the students involved and future cohorts. This presentation explores a practical approach to harnessing the power of SSP in the co-creation of an international service-learning (SL) project. The teachers encountered difficulties in adapting original local SL project to overseas because of resources limitations. By inviting students who studied the same subject in the previous year, with outstanding performance into the decision-making processes for the next cohort, this model encourages students to contribute their unique insights and ideas in redesigning the SL project. With the students’ first-hand experience and thorough understanding of the subject’s intended learning outcomes, their contribution can make the subject more impactful and aligned with the needs of students. Not only does this approach benefit the teachers by providing a deeper understanding of student needs, but it also fosters students’ personal growth and leadership development.

Theme: 2. Thematic Exploration

Sub-theme: Community Engaged Learning & Community of Practice (CoP)

Poster Presentation Time: 1500-1600; 1700-1800

Venue: G1, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Dr Yuk Ming TANG, Senior Lecturer, Department of Indusial and System Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Abstract

STEM education is essential in today’s curriculum even for university students. However, traditional classroom-based instruction methods often lack interactivity and tailored experiences that foster student engagement and comprehension. The integration of Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) generative chatbots has emerged as a transformative influence on the teaching and learning process. Despite this, limited research has explored the impact of advanced technology on STEM learning outcomes. This study explores the potential of employing VR and AI as tools to facilitate teaching to enhance students’ learning outcomes. 120 university students are involved in this study to examine the difference in learning outcomes by utilizing three instructional approaches for learning projectile motion: (1) a traditional didactic classroom, (2) a game-based VR metaverse, and (3) a game-based VR metaverse enriched with a generative chatbot-based pedagogical agent. The study prudently evaluated alterations in student motivation, cognitive benefit, and learning outcomes. Preliminary findings suggest that incorporating VR and AI into teaching considerably enhances student engagement and cognitive participation. This study demonstrates how the integration of VR with AI can elevate student engagement, comprehension, and skill acquisition in STEM education, paving the way for a more captivating and effective learning environment in the Edu-metaverse.

Theme: 2. Thematic Exploration

Sub-theme: 2.1 Community of Practice (CoP)

Poster Presentation Time: 1225-1400; 1500-1600

Venue: G4, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Dr Hung-lin CHI, Associate Professor, Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

– Ms Junyu CHEN, Ph.D Student, Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

– Mr Haolei LIN, Ph.D Student, Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Abstract

KnowLearn is an interactive learning assistant system designed for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) education, where personalized recommendations for students in virtual learning environments remain under-explored. An educational knowledge graph (KG) was constructed to contain multifaceted information by connecting pedagogical, learning performance, and learning feedback data as sub-graphs. A heterogeneous graph attention network (HAN) was implemented to infer latent information in the educational KG and identified essential factors shaping students’ acceptance of virtual learning environments. Based on sampling data of 107 students from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Department of Building and Real Estate, we found students’ self-efficacy, intention to use, and in-class quiz performance were significant predictors of final learning outcomes in subjects that adopt virtual learning environments. This project further deployed a local-based large language model (LLM) Qwen-7B and built an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) with Gradio. Utilizing the information preserved in the educational KG and learned from HAN as the basis, this LLM facilitated conversations between students and KnowLearn, enhancing personalized recommendations while securing student privacy. The developed system contributed to helping improve the learning experiences and performances of AEC students within virtual learning environments.

Theme: 1: Showcase Project Achievements

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

Poster Presentation Time: 1500-1600; 1700-1800

Venue: B3, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Dr Xiang LI, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Social Science, The Hong Kong Polytechnic

– Dr Xiaoqin ZHU, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Social Science, The Hong Kong Polytechnic

– Dr Diya DOU, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Social Science, The Hong Kong Polytechnic

Abstract

Higher education programs often focus on disciplinary knowledge and professional skills, with cognitive skills given top priority. As a timely response to limited education for wellbeing and non-cognitive skills development, PolyU’s Leadership and Intra-personal Development Team developed four subjects, including Tomorrow’s Leaders, Promotion of Children and Adolescent Development, Service Leadership, and Service Leadership through Serving Children and Families with Special Needs to nurture students’ leadership, improve their wellbeing, and promote their whole person development. These subjects aim to nurture students to become ethical leaders of tomorrow and responsible citizens by adopting a holistic youth development approach based on cutting-edge theories and research on late adolescence and emerging adulthood, leadership development, and service-learning. To date, over 27,000 students have taken the four subjects. Different evaluation methods involving multiple stakeholders over time have demonstrated positive and significant impact of the four subjects on students’ wellbeing and holistic development. Positive feedback from students and recognition from the higher education community have contributed to these subjects receiving numerous prestigious awards, both internationally and locally. These include the UGC Teaching Award 2018 and the Gold Award in the Nurturing Wellbeing & Purpose category at the Wharton-QS Stars Reimagine Education Awards 2021.

Theme: 2. Thematic Exploration

Sub-theme: 2.4  Whole-Person Development