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

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: 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)