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: 1500-1600; 1700-1800

Venue: D3, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Dr Kin WAN, Teaching Fellow, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

– Dr Jeffrey LEUNG, Teaching Fellow, School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Abstract

This study assesses an inter-professional training program aimed at improving the skills of optometry and education students in addressing the visual needs of children with special educational needs (SEN). Due to communication and behavioral challenges, SEN children are at a higher risk of having undetected visual problems, necessitating effective collaboration between optometrists and educators. The program included lectures, workshops, and practical vision screenings at special schools. Pre- and post-program surveys, using a Likert scale, measured participants’ understanding of SEN and confidence in managing visual issues in these children. Thirty-seven optometry and 21 education students participated in the study. Results showed a significant enhancement in the understanding of SEN characteristics and the importance of pediatric eye care (p < 0.001 and p < 0.023 respectively). Optometry students reported increased confidence in building rapport with SEN children, conducting eye exams, and making professional judgments (p ≤ 0.006). The findings suggest that inter-professional training can effectively improve the competence of future professionals in providing comprehensive eye care to SEN children, showcasing the benefits of collaborative educational approaches between healthcare and special education sectors.

Theme: 2. Thematic Exploration

Sub-theme: 2.2 Diversity and Inclusion Education

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: 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

Poster Presentation Time: 1500-1600; 1700-1800

Venue: L1, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

– 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

Strengthening diversity and inclusion education may foster Hong Kong to establish a regional education hub in the Asia Pacific region. To align with the dual objectives of internationalization and the integration of the Greater Bay Area, the admission policy and strategy have been fundamental changes in the past few decades. As expected, the student population is not only local students but also mainland students, ethics minorities, and other foreign students jointly enroll in the programme, participate in the student activities, and use the campus facilities for learning and social networking purposes. In response, the Student Affairs Office plays a crucial role in building diversity and inclusion education on the campus. This study aims to investigate the current context of the higher education sector, to identify the challenges of building diversity and inclusion education on campus, and to propose possible future trends of building diversity and inclusion education in the higher education sector in the forthcoming years.

Theme: 2. Thematic Exploration

Sub-theme: 2.2 Diversity and Inclusion Education

Poster Presentation Time: 1225-1400; 1500-1600

Venue: K1, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level 1

Presenter(s)

– Dr Laura ZHOU, Education Development Officer, Education Development Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

– Mr Leo WONG, Project Associate, Education Development Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Abstract

The flipped learning and teaching approach redefines the traditional classroom dynamic by swapping the order of direct instruction and homework activities. In a flipped classroom, students engage with instructional materials (such as videos, readings, or podcasts) outside of class, freeing up valuable in-class time for active learning, collaborative activities, and deeper understanding. In our quest to promote effective flipped learning and teaching practices, we conducted comprehensive interviews with experienced teaching staff at PolyU, who have successfully integrated this methodology into their course. Their valuable insights were collected and compiled into case studies, which were then disseminated to all teaching staff members through e-newsletters and experience sharing workshops. These teaching cases serve as compelling examples, showcasing the versatility and impact of flipped learning and teaching. They underscore the significance of adapting pedagogical methods to enhance student learning experiences. By shifting the locus of content consumption outside the classroom, educators empower students to actively engage with the material during face-to-face sessions, fostering a deeper understanding and more meaningful interactions.

Theme: 1: Showcase Project Achievements

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