New Normal: To integrate information technology into teaching and develop self-directed learning
Education Support Provided for Non-Chinese Speaking (NCS) Students School Support Summary 2022-23
Principal Chui Sik Yee
Christian Alliance S.Y. Yeh Memorial Primary School
Since the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic outbreak, schools, teachers, and students have been working hard to adapt to the paradigm shift in online teaching and learning, which is an unprecedented challenge to the education sector. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, schools have to practice online teaching and reflect on future changes in modes of learning and teaching with the start of the new school term. Educational development is bound to enter a new era of transformation in digital campus and remote interaction. In preparation for the shift, we will utilize technologies, integrate them into everyday learning and teaching, and develop self-directed learning while turning this new normal of teaching into a long-term strategic plan.
Since the suspension of face-to-face classes, teachers, parents, and students have mastered online teaching skills. And the demand and quality of online teaching have been enhanced gradually. With the help of technology, teachers can introduce novel designs, review teaching effectiveness, meet the needs of students, and adjust the curriculum and teaching methods with the references of real-time data and immediate assessments. Integrating technology into learning and teaching helps enhance and extend students' learning experience and increase their participation. Interaction and the cultivation of self-directed learning can be achieved simultaneously. We will share some examples of our development experience:
- Upgrade our technology equipment and facilities: Resources are tapped actively to support online learning and teaching. With upgraded hardware and software (including upgraded network, increased WIFI connection points, new computers, and better interactive exhibits), the new mode of learning and teaching can be carried out smoothly. Teachers make good use of technology to develop innovative and inspiring teaching methods, and students participate actively in school or online classes. We put the student-oriented philosophy in education as our first and foremost consideration, with emphasis on enhancing their learning experiences and providing extended learning activities. We will deploy school resources and Quality Education Fund to install Interactive White Boards in classrooms and the Bring Your Own Device policy to enhance the effectiveness of learning and teaching and classroom interaction. High-resolution LED walls in the assembly hall, fully-upgraded sound systems and equipment to a level equivalent to small theatres enable students to display their school's learning outcomes or spontaneous activities. Our system is capable of school-wide live streaming and recording and playback at home. Hence, learning and teaching, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities can be supported at home or school.
- Leveraging on technology to develop self-directed learning: We dedicated to providing a more inspiring and interactive technology learning environment for our students in this fast-changing world. They can acquire learning experience with Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, which help students understand abstract concepts, construct the surroundings of inaccessible places, and compare ancient and modern. Our school added a multimedia studio where students can study Digital Art, Programming, and other related STEM courses. Students can enjoy the simulation of the starry sky in the space theatre of our mobile Astronomy Centre, where they can acquire astronomy knowledge. Our equipment and facilities can be supported by advanced technology to facilitate independent learning and learning effectiveness.
We hope to achieve Mobile Learning, a shared aspiration of our school. We plan to take advantage of technology to integrate it into learning and teaching and foster students' ability in independent learning. The school, teachers, and students will progress with time marching towards autonomous, innovative, and quality education to accomplish effective learning and teaching without any restrictions.