Speaker(s): Dr KWOK LAI Yuk Ching Sylvia (CityU)

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,” “conceptualise 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): Prof KING Kuo Chin Irwin (CUHK)

Title: Using KEEP to Support Innovative Learning and Teaching

Abstract: Since 2014, KEEP has continually pioneered new techniques and strategies for online education in Hong Kong. The system has recently been expanded in line with three main objectives, including (1) Connectedness, that enables users to connect resources more effectively, (2) Cohesiveness, that facilitates streamlined access for all UGC-funded tertiary institutions, and (3) Collaboration, that supports educators with new application of pedagogies, analytics and more. As students and educators continue to enjoy KEEP’s ever-growing collection of 60k+ local and international Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs), the recently-developed improvements can help them maximise the benefits of online learning. In this talk, I will provide a summary of the KEEP’s activities that demonstrate these three objectives.

Speaker(s): Dr Julia CHEN (PolyU)


Dr Valerie YAP (PolyU)

Title: Developing a Mobile App on English for Final Year Project: What Have We Learnt So Far?

Abstract: A UGC-funded project that involves five universities aims to help students meet their capstone or final year project’s English language needs via a mobile app. The app is now available to various groups of students in the five universities. When students log on the app using their student ID, they will find content and sample sentences that are relevant to their discipline. This presentation reports the project’s achievements and difficulties. Both qualitative and textual data have been collected, and the findings show how staff feedback and student responses to the app reflect differences between the universities. The presentation will end with scalability possibilities.

Speaker(s): Dr CHAN Y B Ben (HKUST)

Title: Makers and Maker Culture

Abstract: With a common slogan of promoting innovation, tens of hundred “MakerSpaces” were setup over the past 2-3 years. Despite being some cool-looking laboratories, not many of these makerspaces serve its purpose – to enable maker movement. The presentation addresses our current project on nurturing maker culture within the community.

USEL is a student-managed and operated MakerSpace with all the necessary power tools and equipment for quick prototyping, which allows students to get their hands dirty whenever they have an idea in mind. Senior Students from different engineering disciplines are recruited and trained to provide training and professional service to junior students. The USEL Lab concept is an engineering hub with innovators and senior students in different areas to provide professional advices and prototyping supports.

Speaker(s): Dr Derek HO (CityU)

Title: Transforming Science and Engineering Talents into Technopreneurs: Hong Kong as a Technology Dragon

Abstract: Technology entrepreneurs are praised for their ability to combine expertise in science/technology and entrepreneurship to benefit mankind. All science and technology students and graduates have the potential to be technology entrepreneurs. The question is “how” to do so and how to help them transition to be technology entrepreneurs (technopreneurs). In this talk, I will discuss the design, creation, and recent progress of a technological entrepreneurship education platform. Students will experience immersive training through identification of problems and opportunities, implementation of ideas into prototypes, and the process of IP protection, knowledge transfer, negotiation and technology commercialization. Upon completion, students are expected to have strengthened their skills in critical thinking, collaborative project management, interdisciplinary analysis, technological entrepreneurship, and communication across cultures.

Speaker(s): Dr MAK Kin Wah Kendrew (CUHK)

Title: Learning Science Ubiquitously with a Smartphone - From Classroom to Everyday Life

Abstract: This project focuses on ubiquitous learning to promote knowledge integration from different sub-disciplines in Chemistry and Biology. It allows students to appreciate the applications of scientific technologies in science and non-science situations.

This learning platform includes a mobile app for students to access the learning materials instantly through QR codes and RFID tags in daily-life situations. A vast number of learning objects are hosted in a Learning Management System server. The objects cover a wide range of contents including fundamental scientific concepts and phenomena, scientific information about materials, and applications of scientific technologies in various situations. The LMS also allows teachers and students to track the learning progress.

Speaker(s): Dr TING Sze Thou Fridolin (PolyU)

Title: Using Web-based Backchannels to Increase the Efficacy of the Basic Question and Answer Active Pedagogy in an Asian Tertiary Institution

Abstract: Although the "question and answer" pedagogy is quite simple to implement, it is often not effective due to students’ anxiety or desire to not appear unintelligent, and this vacuum of engagement is especially pronounced in Asian students, due to their cultural propensity towards passive learning. In this presentation, we investigate the use of a web-based backchannels to increase the effectiveness of the basic question and answer pedagogy in some tertiary classes in Hong Kong. We will give some evidence to suggest that the quantity and quality of the questions increase when a web-based backchannel is introduced to students in class.

Speaker(s): Ms Irene NG (HKUST)


Dr WU Kam Yin (HKUST)

Title: Developing Digital Resources to Support the Learning and Use of Technical Vocabulary

Abstract: A wide range of resources have been developed to support the learning of high frequency words and academic vocabulary. In contrast, technical vocabulary, which can account for as much as 30% of the words in a technical text (Chung & Nation, 2004), has received less attention from language practitioners so far. Our project aims at developing resources to assist science and engineering undergraduate students in the learning and use of technical vocabulary. This presentation will discuss data collected by survey and focus groups and explain the principles of resource development. Sample learning objects will be demonstrated.

Speaker(s): Dr Kin CHEUNG (PolyU)

Title: Challenges in Developing an Online Credit Transfer Information Platform for Potential Senior Year Admitted Students

Abstract: Graduates of sub-degree programmes are eligible to apply UGC-funded senior year places in the universities. Those senior year admitted (SYA) students are admitted to the university based on a credit transfer system. SYA students normally complete their undergraduate studies in two years because of the recognition of their prior learning in sub-degree programmes. However, the transparency of the credit transfer system from sub-degree to degree programmes is not well noticeable. The purpose of this presentation is to describe the process and challenges of developing an online credit transfer information platform for potential SYA students.

Speaker(s): Prof Michael Anthony INGHAM (LU)


Dr K. Brant KNUTZEN (HKU)

Title: Training Virtual Pioneers in Higher Education

Abstract: How can Hong Kong students be taught the digital skills required to navigate the virtual world? Even as higher education struggles to adopt effective web-based student learning activities, the inexorable march of technology moves on towards the use of virtual and augmented reality. Are Education and IT faculties training their students how to harness the affordances of these new technologies for future employment, social networking, or as teaching resources? This presentation will review the results of a Teaching Development Grant (2015-2017) which explored student-produced drama in the virtual world for language education, as well as a follow-on Knowledge Transfer project (2017-18) which trained tertiary students to lead the introduction of secondary school students to the virtual world. Implications on best practice and gamification of education will be explored.

Speaker(s): Dr LEE W S Amy (HKBU)

Title: Academic Integrity Targeted: A Positive Approach and Engaging Materials in TIE-HUM

Abstract: In Hong Kong, one of the “standard” items in a university orientation kit is probably “how to avoid plagiarism”, especially for students in the arts because almost every course involves essay and research paper writing. Students are usually introduced to “plagiarism” and then the various ways not to commit this “crime” which consequence may be serious enough to dismiss one from the university. Yet it is still quite frequent to hear of cases when students simply do not understand what it means, despite their having gone through the training to avoid plagiarism. This presentation shares a mobile app which is tailor made for students in the arts, using a positive approach to academic integrity, and materials that are relevant to the students in their own disciplinary studies. Experience shows that this approach is more effective in the teaching and learning and is more welcomed by students.

Speaker(s): Mr CHEUNG Chun Hoi (HKBU)

Title: Enhancing Orthopedics Curricula in Chinese Medicine Education by Bringing Theory to Practice

Abstract: Herbert Spencer said “The great aim of education is not knowledge but action”. According to the learning pyramid theory, “learning/practice by doing” is one of the most effective pedagogies. This project provides opportunities for Chinese medicine students to apply what they learn in TCM Orthopedics course through serving the elderly which can also meet the increasing demand for bone-and-joint disease management in aging population of Hong Kong. This presentation would provide a showcase on how our School establish the campus-community partnership and its importance, how the Flipped-classroom applied with service-learning activities could enhance the course’s teaching and learning efficacy and how we could provide knowledge transfer to the society through our medical education.

Speaker(s): Prof Kara K W CHAN (HKBU)

Title: Experiential Learning of Digital Media Initiatives for Audience Engagement and Measurement

Abstract: Students worked in teams of five to seven on three digital platforms, including two websites developed by us and a commercial website. During a five-week study schedule, they created social media content in the form of Facebook posts and short videos to promote the selected websites. They employed a variety of digital activities to drive audience traffic to the websites and to enhance audience engagement. They used Google analytical tools to track audience behaviors throughout the process. According to students' reflection papers, students were able to appreciate the concepts and skills in preparing engaging contents and tracked the social impact.

Speaker(s): Dr CHAN Ka Yuk Cecilia (HKU)

Title: Driving Cultural and Educational Shift from Focusing on Academic Knowledge to Holistic Competencies

Abstract: There is no doubt that education puts heavy emphasis on academic knowledge as reflected by grades on transcripts. However, as the need for education to also address the personal and social growth of students continues to proliferate, attention is shifting towards graduate attributes which many institutions have now also included in their mission statements of educational aims (Chan & Luk, 2013). In this presentation, a framework for the development of holistic competencies based on the concept of “avoider” and “engager” on student approaches to develop (Chan and Yeung, in press) in oppose to the well-known deep and surface approaches on student approaches to learning (Prosser & Trigwell, 1999; Lizzio, Wilson, & Simons, 2002) will be discussed. We will also discuss how holistic competencies can be assessed (if it should be assessed at all) and how can students document these learning outcomes as part of their learning process through a pedagogical driven system.

Speaker(s): Dr WONG L C Lillian (HKU)

Title: HKCPD Hub: Hong Kong Continuing Professional Development Hub for University English Teachers

Abstract: This is a collaborative project among five English Language Centres in Hong Kong universities for developing a Hong Kong Continuing Professional Development Hub (HKCPD Hub) to strengthen English teaching efforts and improve student learning outcomes. The HKCPD Hub provides a framework for English teachers in the Hong Kong tertiary sector to engage in communities of practice and professional learning, to collaborate and share expertise. This presentation will outline the framework and activities for supporting and encouraging continuing professional development among University English teachers, including the HKCPD Hub website: https://hkcpdhub.hku.hk/.

Speaker(s): Dr Robert WRIGHT (PolyU)


Ms ZHU Rongjiao July(PolyU)

Title: Developing Reflective / Reflexive Practice through the F.O.C.U.S.E.D. App: The Case of Student Internships and during University Coursework

Abstract: Reflections form a fundamental part of learning and development. Yet, it is not performed well. We developed an App grounded on the “Staying F.O.C.U.S.E.D.” framework designed to capture evidence-based data of how students go about thinking about what they are doing (and not doing) during their university coursework and internships placements. Our App provides real-time reports (tables, charts and textual analyses) to stimulate progressive reflections in students’ own performance as the period of engagement unfolds. We believe such an online platform (blending learning before, during and after doing) has the power to cultivate a habit of mind in our students.

Speaker(s): Mr Sean MCMINN (HKUST)

Title: Active Learning through the Creations of a Multimodal Online Digital Literacy Lab (MODLL)

Abstract: Technologies today enable teachers and learners to design courses that reinforce or enhance active learning. 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. A major component of the project has been the design and delivery of a blended-learning course based on active learning principles.

Speaker(s): Dr CHONG Kit Yee (PolyU)

Title: Integration of Local and Non-local Students for the Enhancement of Internationalisation

Abstract: To further enhance the uniqueness and attractiveness of Hong Kong’s international character (that is fundamental to its future development and success), this project was funded by UGC for development and implementation of a full gamut of internationalisation strategies to facilitate integration of local and non-local students at various levels via curricular and co-curricular activities. This collaborative project aims to develop an adaptable inter-institutional framework (with good practices on internationalisation) to foster student integration in order to enhance students’ attributes on internationalisation and global outlook. In this presentation session, the project rationale, design, implementation plan and outcome measures will be discussed.

Speaker(s): Prof Robin Stanley SNELL (LU)


Mr CHAN Wing Fung Chad (LU)

Title: Evaluating Service-learning Impacts on University Students’ Developmental Outcomes through a Mixed Method Comparison Study

Abstract: In a mixed method study conducted in 2017-18, we analysed the relative impact of service learning (S-L) versus equivalent non-service-learning (N-S-L) course experiences at Lingnan University. The quantitative part compared the self-perceived developmental gains of 250 S-L students with those of 169 N-S-L students, who had studied the same subjects with the same instructors. In the qualitative part, 61 students from 16 S-L courses participated in end of term focus groups. Although S-L students reported greater improvements than N-S-L students in 6 out of 7 developmental domains (subject-related knowledge, communication skills, social competence, organisation skills, problem-solving skills, and civic orientation), these differences in gains were not statistically significant. Nonetheless, the focus groups revealed that S-L students perceived that they had had distinctive opportunities for development through interaction with community stakeholders and real-life knowledge application.

Speaker(s): Dr Lucia FUNG (HKBU)

Title: Pedagogical Framework for Promoting Transformative Learning and Innovative Thinking in Student Internship

Abstract: As our world has become more complicated, it is imperative for students to learn faster, develop complicated non-linear thinking, and become more innovative in order to rise to the challenges of this rapidly changing environment. Internship program is a valuable venue for students to experience the complexity of real-life problems outside the comfort of their classrooms. By using a pedagogical framework called “Staying F.O.C.U.S.E.D.”, incorporating elements of “gamification” of learning on a mobile app platform, the project aims at helping students to become more flexible, adaptive, and innovative in their thinking, open up new solutions to complex real-world problems, as well as bridging what they learned in classroom and in workplace.

Speaker(s): Dr NG S W Sarah (HKBU)


Mr Parry LING (HKBU)

Title: An Innovative Platform for Objects Based Science and Arts Learning with a Collaborative Incubator for Future Educational Teaching Resources

Abstract: This talk is about a project which gives a fresh, holistic and innovative educational, art-making and scientific approach to the study of Chinese antiques and cultural heritage. Many people are unaware of the cultural significance of the traded objects nor the artistic, historical, contextual and financial importance of Chinese art. Our project team designs innovative cross-disciplinary approach courses which cover: i) Chinese art, culture and history; ii) the reproduction/copying of Chinese artifacts and ritual items in ancient times; iii) modern issues of copying; iv) difficulties of verification and use of modern scientific testing; and v) the cultural, ethical and philosophical impact of this issue to China and the world.

Speaker(s): Dr Isaac CHAN (HKBU)


Mr Martin LAU (HKBU)

Title: Developing Multidisciplinary and Multicultural Competences through Gamification and Challenge-based Collaborative Learning (CCGame Project): Progress in 2018/19

Abstract: The CCGame Project was started in July 2017 for (1) better preparing students to work in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams; and (2) motivating students through the deployment of gamification and challenge-based learning. Since Summer 2018, the project has progressed from pilots to implementations of individual and team-based activities, to raise students’ awareness of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and to enable students of different disciplines and cultural backgrounds to learn to work together online as a team to complete challenges. This presentation will outline the activities implemented and present some results collected from those activities.

Speaker(s): Dr CHU Kai Wah Samuel (HKU)

Title: Exploring the Alignment of Residential Education and University Educational Aims through a Three Year International Research Project

Abstract: In awareness of the ambiguity in defining residential educational aims across universities, I am leading a three-year project in collaboration with four universities in HK and four overseas (including National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Harvard and Cambridge) on residential hall education. The research aims to offer a set of residential educational aims that is better aligned with the university's educational aims, improve students’ perception and fulfilment of residential and/or university's educational aims, and to develop a set of measuring instrument to evaluate students’ perception and fulfilment of the aims. The project begins with gaining an understanding of current residential educational aims of the collaborating universities and aligning with university's educational aims. The residential / university's educational aims of local participating universities will be contrasted with those of overseas participating universities.

Speaker(s): Dr WONG Man Sing (PolyU)

Title: Augmenting Physical Learning Spaces with Location-based Services Using iBeacon Technology for Engaging Learning Experiences

Abstract: Mixed digital and physical pedagogies are gaining prevalence in the BYOD (bring your own device) generation. Our work combines physical learning spaces with a location-based mobile app – ATLAS – and a companion web-based management console for educators. Connected by iBeacon transmitters, location-based e-activities can be developed for increased student engagement opportunities and novel learning approaches. Our system collects Big Data on student location, test scores, attendance, etc., enabling educators to explore relationships between variables, monitor student progress and make inferences about the effectiveness of mixed pedagogies. Our work represents one of the first iBeacon deployments in a teaching and learning capacity, and will be implemented in several universities across Hong Kong as part of the Smart Campus under the Smart City framework.

Speaker(s): Dr Christine ARMATAS (PolyU)


Dr Christine SPRATT (PolyU)

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

Abstract: This presentation provides an update about an innovative learning analytics project managed collaboratively between PolyU, Hong Kong Baptist University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The presentation will demonstrate that a well-designed data driven review strategy provides academically rigorous evidence to improve programmes and curricula. The presentation will demonstrate a prototype, innovative Excel tool that makes data analysis for curriculum review easy for academic and administrative staff responsible for curriculum review processes. In doing so the presentation will also explain the potential of learning analytics at programme level to assist students develop better learning strategies for their current studies and also support academic advising approaches.

Speaker(s): Dr LEE Yeung Chung (EdUHK)


Dr Valerie YIP (HKU)


Dr Victor LAU (CUHK)


Dr Eddie LAM (PolyU)


Dr Bill YEUNG (EdUHK)

Title: The ‘U-STEMist Scheme – A Joint University Teaching & Learning Project’

Abstract: The ‘U-STEMist Scheme – A Joint University Teaching & Learning Project’ is funded by the UGC Teaching & Learning Grant, and co-organised by the EdUHK, HKU, CUHK and PolyU. The aim of the project is two-folded - developing pre-service teachers’ competence in promoting school STEM education, and empowering STEM undergraduates to serve the community by putting theory into practice. As implied by its motto– To learn, to serve, and to thrive, the project engages the U-STEMists in serving the needy through learning and applying STEM knowledge and skills in designing and implementing group projects in collaboration with various community partners including NGOs, social service providers, schools and private enterprises. The project consists of two repeated rounds of activities, reaching about 240 pre-service teachers and STEM undergraduates of the four universities. Interim evaluation of the project shows that it has been successful in enhancing the U-STEMists’ understanding of STEM and STEM education, and how such understanding could be applied in school and community contexts. Through organising this Scheme, the Joint University Project Team has gained valuable experience in leveraging members’ expertise and experience in enhancing teaching and learning in the important areas of STEM and STEM education.

Speaker(s): Prof SIN Kuen Fung (EdUHK)


Dr LUI Ming Ann (HKBU)

Title: Collaborative Approach in Enhancing the Professional Competency in Catering for Diversities among 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 in the implementation of service learning. Difficulties and successful experiences will be analysed, in light of the students’ encounters and updates of support in schools. The outcome sheds lights on how the teacher training in special needs is further strengthened.

Speaker(s): Dr HO Koon Sing (HKBU)

Title: Enhancement of Student Learning through Mobile Apps in Analytical Sciences

Abstract: This project is supported by the HKBU Teaching Development Grant on “Enhancement of Student Learning through Applications of Question Bank in Analytical Sciences” and the UGC Funding Scheme for Teaching and Learning Initiatives on “Developing Active Learning Pedagogies and Mobile Applications in University STEM Education”. In the era of proliferating mobile apps used by the App-Generation, one of the objectives of the project is to design new mobile apps as digital strategy to change students experience in learning chemistry. This presentation will outline the designs and applications of two new apps, Analytical Chemistry Challenge and ChemEye, and present the outcomes of success to enhance student learning effectiveness.

Speaker(s): Dr CHUA Ka Kit Tony (HKBU)

Title: Standardising Clinical Education Assessment of Chinese Medicine through the Internationalisation of a Practicum Internship Program

Abstract: Specialised clinical internship (SCI) is aimed to complement the shortfall of traditional internship format of Chinese medicine (CM) by setting up a systematic and effective assessment standards focusing on clinical skills and whole-person generic skills.

It divides into four phases: (1) pilot SCI; (2) refinement; (3) full-scale SCI; (4) promote to overseas CM universities. Both clinical and whole-person generic skills will be assessed face-to-face and online. Focus groups will be formed by local universities to revise and finalise the program.

CM students should be able to share their knowledge in a CM specialty and making ethical decisions. Also, the assessment will facilitate the communication and standardisation of CM specialties and clinical skills in Asia.

Speaker(s): Dr CHAN Hang (HKBU)


Dr CHOI Tat Heung (HKBU)

Title: Observing, Mentoring and Co-working in a Community of Practice: The Three-pronged Approach to Initial Teacher Preparation

Abstract:Good teaching is characterised by pedagogic responsiveness to learners’ needs and the grounded knowledge of the particularities of school conditions. In our endeavour to support prospective English teachers to develop a vision of a functional schooling system, we situate our learning activities in a community of practice (CoP) where the mentors and mentees share a common ground as past or current students of Hong Kong Baptist University. This framework offers the participants a mutually supportive and close-knit environment in which they exchange viewpoints, share good practices, and explore initiative ideas surrounding the teacher development programme. This presentation introduces the main components of this community and discusses, through questionnaire responses, the relevance of alumni mentorship for pre-service teachers to improve their understanding of the teaching profession and to make meaningful connections between incipient pedagogical understandings and experience-enriched contextual learning that is contained throughout the CoP.