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: 1400-1500
Poster Presentation Time: 1225-1400;1500-1600

Oral Presentation Venue: Rose Room, Lower Level II
Poster Presentation Venue: H1, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Ir Dr H H CHEUNG, Senior Lecturer, Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, The University of Hong Kong

– Mr Derek TONG, Tutor, Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, The University of Hong Kong

– Mr Like WEN, Research Assistant, Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, The University of Hong Kong

Abstract

The past social events and COVID-19 pandemic posed huge challenges to teaching and learning. The teaching team seized these challenges as opportunities to develop and incorporate e-learning in experiential projects and capstone courses, which otherwise mandate intensive face-to-face interactions. The team has developed the Digital Design House – An e-learning platform for collaborative product development – to facilitate experiential learning and hands-on projects in various courses that carry substantial components of innovative product design and development. The Digital Design House is a cloud-based experiential e-learning platform that provides remote access to CAD facilities for students to interact among group members and with teachers in virtual environments to share their ideas for product design and development. This e-learning platform integrates a set of advanced information and computing, 3D Hologram devices, virtual reality, mixed reality, and mobile devices with a suite of in-house developed applications for stereoscopic visualisation of virtual objects in an immersive virtual environment to facilitate systematic training and development of students’ innovative abilities through experiential learning. It not only allows students at different geographical regions and teachers to ubiquitously conduct teaching and learning, but also facilitates online lectures via video conferencing like Zoom or Microsoft Teams with more interactions in a virtually face-to-face environment. Indeed, this platform helps students understand what and how various knowledge and feasible technologies can be effectively integrated to create a feasible design/solution in a practical-and-innovative approach. As such, students are inspired with a stronger desire, self-initiative, and enthusiasm for exploring their potential in innovative creations.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

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

Oral Presentation Time: 1400-1500

Venue: Peony Room, Lower Level II

Presenter(s)

– Dr Angela LI, Associate Professor, Division of Science, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Tung Wah College

– Dr Monica CHOW, Project Manager, Division of Science, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Tung Wah College

Abstract

Aiming to enhance the job-readiness of our students, an electronic teaching and learning kit for job-ready skill training (e-JR kit) is developed. This e-JR kit consists of three teaching modules that cover the topics of core skills needed for a paraprofessional job as a clinical assistant, including Module 1 Communication skills in the workplace, Module 2 safety and ethical issues in the workplace and Module 3 professional skills in the workplace. The regular industry involvement is a key feature of this e-JR kit project. Different industry stakeholders are continuously consulted, help with the design of real workplace scenarios, and give feedback on the effectiveness of the training. To accommodate the learning preferences of the current generation of students, the content of this e-JR kit is presented in bite-sized topics, such as case scenarios, short videos and small quizzes, and the design is highly visual and interactive. This well-designed kit will help students integrate their skills before employment, and to equip them with skills for a range of possible scenarios in the workplace. To promote the use of the e-JR kit, the completed kit will be shared with other local institutions and our industry partners in the pre-job training of their students and new staff.

Theme: 1: Showcase Project Achievements

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

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)

Oral Presentation Time: 1400-1500

Venue: Peony Room, Lower Level II

Presenter(s)

– Ms Anna Wai Yee YUEN, Lecturer / Person-in-charge, Virtual Exchange Centre, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University

Abstract

Funded by the Quality Enhancement Support Scheme (QESS), the “Virtual Exchange for Authentic Teaching and Learning Innovation” project aims to establish partnerships with international tertiary institutions, equip teaching staff with Virtual Exchange (VE) skills, and promote VE as an innovative teaching pedagogy. The Virtual Exchange Centre (VEC) was established at the School of Continuing Education (SCE) in September 2022 to facilitate VE opportunities with our global partners. This presentation highlights SCE’s internationalisation efforts in VE, featuring successful course-embedded exchanges and extracurricular activities with institutions worldwide. Partnerships have been established with institutions from the U.S., U.K., Canada, Sweden, Australia, Japan, and Malaysia, with ongoing exploration of VE collaborations with potential partners from Mexico, Germany, Spain, Thailand, and India. Supported by quantitative and qualitative data, the presentation showcases the positive impact of internationalisation in VE on teaching and learning experiences. Engaging videos and compelling stories from SCE’s VE programs will be shared. In summary, the project exemplifies SCE’s commitment to enhancing education through global connection and collaboration through VE. It showcases the establishment of global partnerships, the development of VE programs, and the positive outcomes of internationalisation efforts. The presentation aims to inspire and inform the audience about the growing trend and transformative potential of VE in higher education.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

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

Oral Presentation Time: 1400-1500

Venue: Rose Room, Lower Level II

Presenter(s)

– Dr Jian YANG, Deputy Director of Education Technology (EdTech HKUMed), LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong

Abstract

The “Students as Partners (SaP)” support framework fosters active interdisciplinary collaboration. Key initiatives undertaken by the Students as Partners Community of Practice (SaP CoP) involve organizing seminar-sharing sessions, hosting internal CoP meetings, and conducting formal consultation sessions for those initiating SaP projects. These efforts offer valuable learning opportunities and continuous support for both educators and students. At HKU, the SaP CoP has developed a Scope, Process, and Levels framework for SaP activities. In partnership with TALIC, the SaP CoP has established a dedicated webpage and featured it in the HKU bulletin. These initiatives have been well-received by students and staff alike, providing meaningful experiences and practical guidelines that significantly contribute to their learning and engagement journey.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

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