1 February - 31 May 2018

Speaker(s): Dr. KWOK LAI Yuk Ching Sylvia (City University of Hong Kong)

Title: Enhancing University Students’ Well-being and Positive Learning Experiences – Application of Positive Education

Abstract: The presentation will introduce the project that aims to enhance the positive emotions, positive relationships, positive purpose, positive accomplishment, positive engagement, and positive health of tertiary students; to build an atmosphere with a focus on the well-being and positive development of students in the universities; and spread the message of Positive Education in the local community. The project will be guided by a six-level pedagogy described as “learn it,” “live it,” “reflect it,” “conceptualize it,” “apply it,” and “embed it.” Workshops, training camps, campus promotion, inter-institutional Positive Education Day, Positive Education projects, and International Positive Education Conference are launched.

Speaker(s): Dr. Eva WONG (Hong Kong Baptist University)

Dr. Theresa KWONG (Hong Kong Baptist University)

Dr. Isaac CHAN (Hong Kong Baptist University)

Title: Developing Multidisciplinary and Multicultural Competences through Gamification and Challenge-based Collaborative Learning

Abstract: This UGC-funded project was officially started in July 2017 with two main objectives to improve student learning and performance: (1) better preparing them to work in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams; and (2) motivating them through the deployment of gamification and challenge-based learning. The project explores game applications as a more authentic, immersive and engaging form of learning and intends to motivate student interest, retain student attention and incentivise group collaboration. This presentation will outline the process of collaboration, the plan of work of the project team and present some preliminary results after the first six months of the project.

Speaker(s): Prof. LAM Lai Chuen Paul (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Title: Effective Implementation of the Flipped Classroom Approach in Hong Kong Higher Education for Enhanced Learning Outcomes

Abstract: “Flipping the classroom” is an intriguing concept in education. It has potentials to fundamentally enhance teaching and learning. However, it can be a challenge for both teachers and students, if it lacks detailed planning and appropriate support. Therefore, a collaborative project was initiated by five universities in Hong Kong to provide such support and resources to teachers. The talk will demonstrate the design of the project and introduces five key components that deemed essential to a successful flip, namely Exposure, Incentive, Assess, Activities, and Evaluation.

Speaker(s): Prof. SIN Kuen Fung (The Education University of Hong Kong),

Dr. LUI Ming Ann (Hong Kong Baptist University)

Title: Special Educational Needs Empowerment Project for Pre-service Teachers

Abstract: This collaborative project adopts a coherent, three-stage strategy to enhance the teacher competency in catering for diversity. The BEd students at the two Universities are provided with hands-on experience in NGOs or school environment, so as to help them acquire the practical skills and knowledge needed to support SEN students in schools. In the presentation, it will introduce the strategies how to enrich student teachers’ experiences and real-life exposure of inclusion and special education in the specifically designed Service Learning courses “Special Educational Needs Empowerment”. The outcome sheds lights on how the teacher training in special needs is further strengthened.

Speaker(s): Dr. Julia CHEN (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

Title: Using a Mobile App to Help Students with the English for Their Final Year Project

Abstract: This UGC-funded project involves five universities in co-developing a mobile app to enhance the English abilities of undergraduate students as they prepare their capstone/final year projects. The app serves as a resource tool for students who wish to supplement their language learning, and allows students to practise discipline-related English at different stages of their capstone project. It helps students organize their project preparation process, and provides an additional channel for supervisors to manage their students’ progress. This presentation will show how students from different programmes/universities have access to a tailor-made version of the mobile app.

Speaker(s): Prof. CHAU Ying (The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

Title: Engaging Undergraduate Students to Design Innovations for Global Health

Abstract: Student Innovation for Global Health Technology (SIGHT) is an undergraduate education platform for students to provide tangible solutions against health problems. Using global health issues as the backdrop, students are challenged to brainstorm, develop and implement appropriate technologies under low-resource settings. The teaching team of SIGHT combines approaches of design thinking, pedagogy in experiential learning, and empowerment for impact creation, to create a context that engages and enables undergraduate students to innovate.

Speaker(s): Prof. Ricky KWOK (The University of Hong Kong)

Title: Contents Sharing for Flipped and Blended Learning

Abstract: In this project, we aim to develop ten general education course packages for students from four different institutions (CUHK, HKU, HKUST, PolyU) to enroll. These packages are based on a flipped and blended learning model: (1) teaching contents will be largely delivered online; (2) classrooms will be used for deep learning activities. The speaker will talk about the main rationale behind this project and the various hurdles involved.

Speaker(s): Dr. TU Feng (Hong Kong Baptist University)

Title: Enhancing Chinese Medicine Orthopedics Curriculum by Service Learning & Flipped-classroom

Abstract: Originated from Chinese civilization, nowadays, traditional Chinese medicine (CM) has become more and more popular along with the globalization. We have built up a service learning network among universities, local community and NGOs in Hong Kong, and with some charity fund support, to provide regular orthopedic serve and related health care education for a number of selected communities. Through bringing theory to practice for service learning, the activities are helpful to promote CM and develop students’ knowledge and skills. At the same time, students can reflect their own learning, feeling and create materials for the flipped classroom.

Speaker(s): Mr. Eric H. C. CHOW (Hong Kong Baptist University)

Title: Coding, Design and Global Involvement: Engaging Students in Multi-domain Active Learning through the Creation of Mobile Apps

Abstract: Around the world, governments and institutions are realising that coding literacy is one of the most important skills of the 21st century, as is design. Unfortunately, these two increasingly valuable skills are seldom, if ever, combined in the same learning activity. The aim of this UGC project is to help liberal arts students develop problem solving skills by learning the basics of computer programming in a non-threatening, studio-based learning environment suitable, and to help STEM students develop design skills, such as visual design, interface design and typographic style. We also aim to enable students’ coursework, final-year projects, or extra-curricular projects that incorporate app-making as part of more active and creative learning activities.

Speaker(s): Dr. CHOW Cheung Ming Cherry (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Ms. LAW Wing Chi (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Title: Establishment of Ubiquitous Learning in Teaching and Learning Science for Knowledge Integration

Abstract: To facilitate students to associate scientific concepts with real-life objects and environment and integrate knowledge from different disciplines, our project aims to establish a new portable learning platform and web-based learning management system to implement ubiquitous learning and knowledge integration. With the learning platform, students can simply use their mobile app to scan the readable tags on an object inside teaching facilitates and beyond and then learn the relevant scientific knowledge from multiple disciplines by going through the guided e-learning materials provided by the system and thus students can recognise and appreciate the inter-relationship between real-life objects and scientific phenomenon within and across disciplines.

In this presentation, we will share our experience in designing the learning platform and developing self-learning materials.

Speaker(s): Dr. LI Yuen Mei Fanny (The Education University of Hong Kong)

Title: Learners as Collaborators and Contributors in Teaching– An Introduction to SNG Research Projects

Abstract: Built on the faith that the more the responsibility students are given, the more they will take, ‘Student Network Group’ (SNG) teaching framework brings students and teachers together in the promotion of student engagement and involvement in the learning progress, thereby maximizing students’ learning experience. The innovative project, “Students as Teaching Partners: Developing Pedagogical Materials and Activities in Chinese Storytelling and Writing with Community Engagement under ‘Student Network Group’ Framework”, is a multi-university collaboration combines the elements of Chinese storytelling and writing, community engagement as well as the SNG teaching framework. It aims at exploring further possibilities for development of tertiary education through cultivating students to be proactive learners.

Speaker(s): Ms. Ariel MAK (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

Title: The Big Data Revolution in Learning and Teaching: Creating New Educational Experiences and Facilitating the Smart Campus

Abstract: How can educational institutions take advantage of the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) generation to revolutionize the educational experience? How can Big Data improve engagement and be used to not only redesign learning spaces but make the university campus smarter? The answer lies in innovative technology, such as iBeacon technology, which can be harnessed to gain insights into students inside and outside of the classroom. The collected Big Data from students, e.g. their spatial locations inside and outside the classrooms, as well their interactions and subject performance, can then be analyzed and used to create learning experiences and environments which encourage students to become active explorers. It can also be used by universities to understand and anticipate the needs of their students, in order to facilitate the Smart Campus under the greater framework of “Smart City”.

Speaker(s): Dr. Robert WRIGHT (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

Title: The Counterintuitive Power of Student Internships: Taking Our Teaching, Research and Students to a Whole New Level

Abstract: Student internships are designed to give our students hands-on experience to complement classroom learning. Yet, how much of what we teach our students actually get applied and tested in the real world? Just as importantly, are we really tapping into our students’ workplace experiences to better understand which of our theories, models, frameworks and research work and don’t work? How can we better bridge this “knowing-doing” gap and in the process cultivate the next generation of thought-leaders (and educators) for a complicated world? These are the core questions we address in our 3-year, $9.7M UGC funded project. Please come and join us and hear the exciting things we are doing and in the process, help make this world a better place…

(Please click on this link to see the impact of the “Staying F.O.C.U.S.E.D.” framework in helping us open up the alternatives to unsolved problems, issues and challenges: https://goo.gl/yixKH9)

Speaker(s): Dr. Christine ARMATAS (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

Dr. Christine SPRATT (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

Title: Enhancing Learning Outcomes for Students through a Data-driven Review of the 4-year Curriculum in UGC Funded Programs

Abstract: PolyU, together with CUHK and Baptist University, have been awarded funding by UGC to conduct a data-driven review of the new 4-year curriculum (4YC) at our universities. The aim of this project is to analyse the experience of 4YC graduates to identify factors that impact on student success and to use this information to provide better support for current students. In this presentation we will give an overview of the project activities, including how the reviews are being conducted and the progress made to date.

Speaker(s): Mr. Sean McMINN (The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

Title: Creating a Multimodal Online Digital Literacy Lab (MODLL) to Enhance Language Teaching and Learning

Abstract: Digital practices have significantly changed the nature of communication, including receptive and productive language skills. However, the accessibility and affordances of current digital technologies may not be fully realised without institutional frameworks. This session will discuss how grant funding will be used by two Hong Kong universities to develop physical and online multimodal digital literacies laboratories to enhance language teaching by: (1) enhancing students’ (multimodal) English communicative skills; (2) developing students’ rhetorical, language and presentation skills via digital media; (3) raising awareness of digital literacies across disciplines; and (4) enhancing digital media assessment practices

Speaker(s): Dr. Ben Y B CHAN (The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

Title: Teaching for Innovation

Abstract: The fundamental principle of engineering is to innovate, to find new ways of doing old things and new ways of doing new things. Hong Kong’s engineering education enjoys a very high standing worldwide but it is in all essential aspects a form of collegiate education, instituted and directed by educators, rather than by practitioners.

A new framework composed of a consortium of innovative ideas for modern innovation mindset development is presented to enhance “innovativeness” of students. 3 major components of the proposed framework are shared and discussed:-

1. Student-centered MakerSpace initiative
2. “Flipped Laboratory” modelling and prototyping modules
3. Integrated cornerstone design course for first year students.

All three components are unique initiatives in Hong Kong and their integration means that students can create things freely at any time. The cornerstone design course aims to provide first-year students with the insight to innovate and practice engineering design processes in a systematic manner.

Speaker(s): Prof. LI Min (Hong Kong Baptist University)

Title: Standardizing Clinical Education Assessment of Chinese Medicine through the Internationalization of a Practicum Internship Program

Abstract: Hong Kong, as an international pivot, has an opportunity to provide an exchange platform to link Chinese Medicine (CM) education to the global community. Under the granted UGC teaching and learning project, we are developing a standardized evaluation index for an internship program to be incorporated into CM clinical practice, which is important for nurturing CM students in HK with an international mindset and outlook to collaborate with CM experts worldwide. The index is based on a systematic and standardized assessment plan for the training of CM students’ clinical skills and whole-person generic skills. The assessment standards will be validated among the three institutes in HK and overseas CM universities.

Speaker(s): Ms. Angela NG (Hong Kong Baptist University)

Dr. Valérie MARTINEZ (The University of Hong Kong)

Title: The ILLSA Project: A Telecollaborative Project on Integrated Language Learning and Social Awareness

Abstract: The ILLSA Project is a teaching and learning project uniting language and urban enthusiasts who wish to further develop their foreign language skills and deepen their knowledge about “Healthy Cities”. Current sustainability issues, physical and mental health, cultural-, gender-, ethnicity-, and age-based diversity, and environmental aspects, are among some of the selected topic areas. The ILLSA Project promotes the use of online study materials to encourage working in intercultural groups, as well as communicating, researching, and exchanging ideas in any of its four project languages: French, German, Italian and Spanish. After conducting their own research, participants are expected to organize a Group community project to raise awareness about the topic.

Speaker(s): Dr. LEE Yeung Chung (The Education University of Hong Kong)

Title: Joint University Collaboration to Develop Students’ Competence and Leadership in Promoting Integrated STEM Education

Abstract: STEM education is gaining impetus as a global educational movement toward developing students’ competence in integrating and applying knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This presentation introduces a joint university project to develop STEM competence in undergraduates and pre-service teachers through engaging them in service-based STEM activities in schools and the community. Participants of different STEM majors from different universities collaborate with each other in designing and implementing STEM activities that address real-world problems by combining problem solving, innovation, creativity, logical thinking and a passion to serve.

Speaker(s): Dr. CHEUNG Ting On Lewis (The Education University of Hong Kong)

Title: Applying Virtual Reality Technology for Building Students' Risk Awareness and Knowledge of Environmental Hazards

Abstract: Despite that in-situ experience in real environments is important for fieldwork learning of environment hazards among social sciences and environmental studies, availability of suitable outdoor field study sites, access to places having hazards, constraints in curriculum time, uncontrollable weather conditions and financial support to needy students will limit the utilization of outdoor and overseas learning opportunities to enhance student’s knowledge of environmental hazards and their associated risks in local and neighbouring regions. This project aims to incorporate Virtual Reality (VR) technologies into the university curriculum in order to develop locally-specific and tailor-made curriculum modules about natural hazards and risk awareness benefiting different student cohorts and university teachers. The pedagogical VR technologies covered in this project include photos and videos capturing 360° space together with VR viewers. The team will develop a series of curriculum modules of six natural-induced and human-induced environmental hazards, with an integration with the named VR innovations utilizing Hong Kong and overseas contents into the teaching and learning among local university students. Apart from the development of the curriculum modules, training workshops for both university teachers and students will be organized. University teachers could gain from the training workshops the skill in adopting VR technology for teaching and learning. Whereas, university students could experience the new pedagogy for learning environmental hazards and thus enhance their preparedness to the present and future risks. The objectives of this proposed project are (1) To design curriculum modules using the VR technology for teaching environment hazards in Environmental Studies, Geography, Liberal Studies and General Studies as well as General Education curriculum in universities; (2) To build resilience (preparedness, response and recovery) among university students through VR experiences of environmental hazards and their impacts on community to prepare themselves for adaptation in an increasingly hazard-prone world; (3) to enhance regional, global and environmental awareness of university students especially those who lack financial means for in-situ overseas experiential learning opportunities; and (4) to utilize the VR technology to lessen limitations of time management and resources on field-based learning experience

Speaker(s): Dr. Fridolin TING (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

Title: Active Learning Pedagogies and Mobile Applications in University STEM Education

Abstract: Active learning, to put it simply, is anything other than traditional lecturing. Despite extensive evidenced based research on the benefits of active learning strategies to our students in STEM, the majority of STEM instructors in do not put these teaching methods into practice. In this brief presentation, I will discuss why active learning is particularly important in Hong Kong and Asian tertiary institutions.

Speaker(s): Dr. Grace NGAI (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

Title: A Multi-faceted Approach to Capacity Building for Service Learning 

Abstract: Introducing a new pedagogy is a big challenge. This is especially true when the new pedagogy involves multiple kinds of learning and teaching activities: online, face-to-face, classroom, and experiential. PolyU experienced this in 3012, when service-learning was introduced as an undergraduate graduation requirement for all students. Implementing this new pedagogy, which involved all the different types of T&L activities mentioned, required capacity building in multiple aspects and a rethink of what teaching means.

This was the motivation behind the TDG project: Cross-institutional Capacity Building for Service-Learning in Hong Kong Higher Education Institutions. This project aims to build “hard” and “soft” resources for academic service-learning in Hong Kong. This includes teaching resources, research resources, community building and support for scholarly activities.

Speaker(s): Dr. Kin CHEUNG (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

Title: Enriching Senior Year Places Students’ Learning Experience through Curricular and Co-curricular Activities in Hong Kong’s Universities

Abstract: Senior year places in universities are UGC funded and allocated specifically for graduates of sub-degree programmes. Senior year places admitted (SYA) students will study in the degree programmes based on a credit unit transfer system and complete their studies in 2 years. Based on worldwide evidence-based studies and a local pilot study, SYA students are suffering from a “mismatch” between their learning needs and institutional offerings. To fulfil their needs, the aim of this project is to meet their learning needs before, during and after their transition into the degree programmes.

Speaker(s): Dr. Claudia WONG (The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

Title: Mastering the Technical Vocabulary of STEM

Abstract: The project aims to develop resources for students of science and engineering and their teachers to support the learning and use of technical vocabulary. Learning resources based on technical words that are judged by Engineering and Science faculty, including words known to be difficult for students, will be created. The resources (OLR) will be presented as self-paced learning objects, with an initial diagnostic quiz which directs students to one of three levels of challenge based on their existing knowledge of the vocabulary of their discipline. The resources will also be promoted to teachers for integration into STEM-related language courses. The learning resources are intended to develop students’ ability to use technical vocabulary correctly both in written and spoken English. Ten STEM disciplines will be included.

Speaker(s): Dr. Julie CHEN (The University of Hong Kong)

Title: Beyond the E-portfolio: Supporting Connectivity and Communities of Learning in a Virtual Environment

Abstract: With the emphasis of higher education shifting beyond the physical boundaries of the university, it is important to have a means for students to feel connected when they are geographically distant and to connect with their disparate learning experiences in order to make meaning of these experiences beyond individual, solitary reflection. Thus we introduce connect*ed, a project to facilitate on-the-move communication, social learning and collaboration that exploits the potential of the virtual world. This will serve the dual purpose of building student communities of learning while also providing psychosocial support for students who are away from their home environs.