Professional development seminars, workshops and sharing sessions are normally organized during the term break or study breaks. Both FT and PT academic staff are welcome to take part.
| Date/ Time/ Venue | Topic/Speaker | Synopsis | Speaker's biography | Presentation slides (login required) | |
| 1 | 16 Dec (Fri) (E0311, Jockey Club Campus) | Collaborative Annotation for Learning and Professional Development
Dr. Gavin Porter | This seminar will cover collaborative annotation for multiple stakeholders: course instructors, educational technology researchers, and even those involved in peer review and academic development. Although annotation is a natural process as old as written text itself, new online platforms (Perusall, hypothes.is) enable the sharing of annotations at larger supported scales. | Dr. Gavin Porter is an award-winning Lecturer at Harvard Medical School, and formerly, the University of Hong Kong. In addition to teaching courses on Research Methods in Immunology, and Research Article Analysis, he has also been involved in pedagogical professional development for Harvard PhD students and post-docs. His current research focus is on making collborative annotation a more effective learning tool. |
| Date/ Time/ Venue | Theme/Topic/Speaker(s) | Synopsis | Presentation slides (login required) | |
| 1 | 18 Jul (Mon) 3:00pm–4:00pm Seminar (F0401, IOH) | [Learning Technologies] How to integrate appropriate educational technology tools in your course Francis Tsoi Instructional Designer, ALTO | There are various educational technology tools available, but how to choose the appropriate one that fits your teaching? The first part of this seminar will introduce various types of eLearning tools, and showcase examples of their usages in different universities. In the second part, we will introduce some tips for you to select, evaluate and integrate the appropriate tools in your course. | |
| 2 | 19 Jul (Tue) 2:30pm–4:00pm Workshop (12/F Tai Ning Hall, Main Campus) | [Pedagogical Principles and Practices] Practical Tips for Lesson Planning Dr Henry Choi Senior Instructional Designer, ALTO | Some teachers believe that lesson planning is simply preparing a PPT for a lesson. Well, there could be much more than that, especially when you're expecting a more efficient lesson. The first part of this workshop will introduce the essential components of a good lesson plan and practical steps for lesson planning. In the second part, we will examine a couple of monotonous lesson plans and discuss ways of enhancement. | |
| 3 | 20 Jul (Wed) 3:00pm–4:00pm Seminar (F0401, IOH) | [Student Engagement] Increasing student engagement using storytelling Ross Vermeer Senior Instructional Designer, ALTO | Storytelling is a powerful but often-overlooked method of enlivening lectures and capturing and retaining student attention. But devoting valuable lecture time to just 'telling stories' may seem like a waste. In this seminar, we'll look at ways to choose, structure, and deliver stories in ways that engage students' attention, and enhance their ability to learn. | |
| 4 | 21 Jul (Thu) 2:30pm–4:00pm Workshop (12/F Conference Hall, IOH) | [Learning Technologies] Workshop for Building your Teaching ePortfolio Dr Eva Tsang Director, ALTO (Note: Rerun of June session) | This workshop aims to introduce the CELTICS ePortfolio Platform, with demonstration on how to build an ePortfolio on this platform. We will begin with an introduction about the Teaching ePortfolio, followed by some hands-on practice on the platform; such as setting up your profile information, creating an ePortfolio page with digital artifacts, linking multi-media to ePortfolios, building an attractive ePortfolio by using special features, and what makes a good reflection. Please bring your laptop computer. | |
| 5 | 22 Jul (Fri) 2:30pm–4:00pm Workshop (12/F Tai Ning Hall, Main Campus) | [Pedagogical Principles and Practices] Becoming a critically reflective teacher Emilie Pavey Instructional Designer, ALTO | The reflective approach to teaching is a continual practice that supports effective, student-centred teaching, as well as being a core element of a teacher's ePortfolio. But with a hectic class schedule, it may feel as if there is little time to truly pause and think. This workshop will therefore give participants a chance to stop and reflect on their teaching in a guided way using selected reflection frameworks. It will also provide opportunities to exchange with peers and critically evaluate teaching practices and assumptions in the ultimate aim of strengthening student success. |
| Date/ Time/ Venue | Theme/Topic/Speaker(s) | Synopsis | Presentation slides (login required) | |
| 1 | 20 Jun (Mon) 2:30pm–4:00pm Workshop (12/F Conference Hall, IOH) | [Learning Technologies] Workshop for Building your Teaching ePortfolio Dr Eva Tsang Director, ALTO | This workshop aims to introduce the CELTICS ePortfolio Platform, with demonstration on how to build an ePortfolio on this platform. We will begin with an introduction about the Teaching ePortfolio, followed by some hands-on practice on the platform; such as setting up your profile information, creating an ePortfolio page with digital artifacts, linking multi-media to ePortfolios, building an attractive ePortfolio by using special features, and what makes a good reflection. Please bring your laptop computer. | |
| 2 | 21 Jun (Tue) 2:15pm–3:45pm Workshop (12/F Tai Ning Hall, Main Campus) | [Student Engagement] Handling Students with SEN (Depression, Anxiety Disorders & Autism Spectrum Disorder) Dr Kitty Yeung Registered Educational Psychologist, Easy Care Mind Wellness Ivy CHUNG Service Supervisor, Hong Kong Christian Service | Through case discussion, this workshop aims at facilitating university staff to 1) understand and empathize the needs of such students; 2) provide differentiated teaching accommodation and 3) refer them to appropriate university resources for assistance. If you would like to have experts' advice on how to support SEN students in your classes, please fill in the form below. The guest speakers will provide advice or suggestion on some of the cases at the seminar. All the collected information will be kept confidential and anonymous. [LINK] | |
| 3 | 22 Jun (Wed) 3:00pm–4:00pm Seminar (F0401, IOH) | [Pedagogical Principles and Practices] Scaffolding your teaching to bring students to the next level Prof. Ricky Kwok VP (S&S) | In this seminar, the speaker will first briefly introduce the Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) concept. With this constructivist framework, the speaker will then share his experiences in using different scaffolding strategies in teaching computational thinking and algorithms. In these experiences, the ultimate goal had always been to nurture students' computational mindset, based on a hierarchical understanding starting from fundamental of computing, computational costs, all the way to (in)computability. An even higher level “human development” goal was to enable students to have a renewed perspective about the world they are living in. | |
| 4 | 23 Jun (Thu) 2:30pm–4:00pm Workshop (E0311, 3/F, JC) | [Learning Technologies] Online collaborative learning — Using Flipgrid to promote active learning Ross Vermeer Senior Instructional Designer, ALTO | Flipgrid is a video-sharing platform that encourages asynchronous discussion amongst students. It provides an interesting and potentially pedagogically-rich 'middle ground' between traditional text-based discussion boards and synchronous video classes and meetings. In this workshop you'll learn how Flipgrid works, assess its strengths as a teaching tool, and consider ways of using Flipgrid effectively in your classes. Please bring your laptop computer. | |
| 5 | 24 Jun (Fri) 3:00pm–4:00pm Seminar (A-101, Main Campus) | [OBE and Assessment] Alternative Assessments Caroline Leung Senior Instructional Designer, ALTO | When you think of 'assessment', you might envisage an exam hall or students writing an essay. However, a much broader range of assessment methods is at our disposal for gauging students' mastery of skills and learning outcomes. Some skills might be more effectively assessed through, for example, authentic tasks, poster presentations, debates, ePortfolios or peer assessment. In this seminar we will look at some alternative forms of assessment, including examples of how they are used in other universities and tips for implementation. |
| Date/ Time/ Venue | Topic/Speaker(s) | Synopsis | |
| 1 | 23 May (Mon) 3:00pm–4:00pm Zoom | [Learning Technologies] Developing a Teaching ePortfolio Dr Eva Tsang Director, ALTO | What is a teaching ePortfolio and why do we need to develop one? During the process of development, we can sharpen our ability to critically reflect on our teaching successes and practices, and presenting ourselves as knowledgeable, confident, and reflective teachers. This seminar consists of two parts. The first part will introduce the concepts, pedagogical foundations, types and components of a teaching ePortfolio and the ways in which they may be crafted and curated. Some samples of e-Portfolios will be shown. The second part will elaborate on the requirements for submitting the Teaching e-Portfolio for the President's Awards for Excellence in Inspirational Teaching. |
| 2 | 24 May (Tue) 3:00pm–4:00pm Zoom | [Learning Technologies] Online collaborative learning: Part 1 — Frameworks and approaches Emilie Pavey Instructional Designer, ALTO | Learning in a collaborative format can promote students' higher-level thinking, self-management, communication and leadership skills, and it doesn't need to happen face-to-face: online learning tools can facilitate and enhance collaboration remotely or asynchronously. This session is the first in a series of sessions exploring collaborative learning technologies. It will introduce a theoretical framework for online collaborative learning and suggest some general strategies for designing collaborative tasks and activities, including tips for making the most of Google Docs as a simple way to get started with student group work online. |
| 3 | 24 May (Tue) 4:30pm–5:30pm Zoom | [Learning Technologies] Online collaborative learning: Part 2 — Using Miro for collaboration Francis Tsoi Instructional Designer, ALTO | Fostering interaction and collaboration can be challenging. Miro, a widely-used online collaborative whiteboard in higher education will be introduced in this session. This 1-hour workshop will introduce the basic functions of Miro, and showcase some examples of using Miro to promote collaboration in Higher Education settings. The workshop will have hands-on activities on Miro, thus the participants are expected to join this workshop with a PC/Mac. |
| 4 | 25 May (Wed) 3:00pm–4:00pm Zoom | [Pedagogical Principles and Practices] Flipping the classroom: Can it work for me? Caroline Leung Senior Instructional Designer, ALTO | This seminar will explore the flipped classroom, an approach which reverses the conventional teacher-centred lecturing approach and instead incorporates student-centred activities and online components into a blended learning model. We will look at how this method works and the steps for implementing it in your own classes. Case studies and examples of successful flipped classroom lesson plans and activities will be presented. |
| 5 | 26 May (Thu) 3:00pm–4:00pm Zoom | [OBE and Assessment] Introduction to assessment in higher education Dr Henry Choi Senior Instructional Designer, ALTO | Some teachers believe that assessment is simply grading students by their assignments and exam papers. Well, there could be much more than that. This seminar will answer 3 basic questions about assessment: What is it? Why do we need it? and How could we do it? Fundamental concepts of assessment and practical guidelines in higher education will be discussed. This session is especially suitable for novice teachers and those who would like to reflect on the roles of assessment in their courses. |
| 6 | 27 May (Fri) 3:00pm–4:00pm Zoom | [Student Engagement] The effects of Zoom and other educational technology on students' cognitive load Ross Vermeer Senior Instructional Designer, ALTO | Attending Zoom meetings and lessons should be comfortable and pleasant. And yet over the past two years we’ve discovered it’s anything but. Why does being on Zoom seem so difficult and tiring? And what effects does this have in a specifically educational context? In this seminar we’ll examine the ways in which technology-mediated teaching and learning can cause cognitive overload in both students and teachers, and consider some strategies for making the most of this learning environment. |
| Date/ Time/ Venue | Topic/Speaker(s) | Synopsis | |
| 1 | 26 April (Tue) 3:00–4:00pm ZOOM Language: English 28 April (Thur) 3:00–4:00pm ZOOM Language: Cantonese (PPT in English) | Developing a Teaching e-Portfolio Dr Eva Tsang Director, ALTO | What is a teaching ePortfolio and why do we need to develop one? During the process of development, we can sharpen our ability to critically reflect on our teaching successes and practices, and presenting ourselves as knowledgeable, confident, and reflective teachers. This seminar consists of two parts. The first part will introduce the concepts, pedagogical foundations, types and components of a teaching ePortfolio and the ways in which they may be crafted and curated. Some samples of e-Portfolios will be shown. The second part will elaborate on the requirements for submitting the Teaching e-Portfolio for the President's Awards for Excellence in Inspirational Teaching. |
| Date/ Time/ Venue | Topic/Speaker(s) | Synopsis | |
| 1 | 3 Jan (Mon) 9:30–11:30am IOH 12/F Conference Hall (F1202) | Use Miro effectively in collaborative learning Francis Tsoi Instructional Designer, ALTO Dr Eva Tsang Director, ALTO | Fostering interaction and collaboration can be challenging. Miro, a widely-used online collaborative whiteboard in higher education will be introduced in this session. The workshop will first introduce the basic functions and affordances of Miro with authentic examples. The second part will be hands-on experience with a case study to demonstrate how to use Miro to foster collaboration and interaction. In the third part, participants will brainstorm, share their ideas and suggestions on potential usage of Miro in their own teaching. Participants are required to bring their laptops. |
| 2 | 3 Jan (Mon) 2:30–4:30pm IOH 12/F Conference Hall (F1202) | Collaborative learning with Perusall for readings and assignments Ronald Chow Assistant Instructional Designer, ALTO Dr Eva Tsang Director, ALTO | Perusall is a collaborative reading platform. This workshop aims to introduce how teaching staff can utilize the features of Perusall to make readings and assignments engaging. In the workshop, participants will have hands-on experience in setting up assignments, annotating readings, commenting, upvoting and downvoting comments on Perusall. Finally, we will provide scenarios where they can integrate Perusall in their teaching approaches. Participants are required to bring their iPads. Also, there will be some iPads available for borrowing. |
| 3 | 4 Jan (Tue) 9:30–11:30am IOH 12/F Conference Hall (F1202) | Using Turnitin for online marking on the OLE Dr Eva Tsang Director, ALTO | This three-part workshop will first introduce new features of the OLE including Dashboard, Word Cloud, use of Turnitin and Grade Mark features. In the second part, participants will have hands-on experience in marking assignments online and get familiarized with the whole marking process. In the final part, we will have a short discussion on the issues related to the features and work flow to solicit ideas for improvement. Participants are required to bring their laptops. |
| 4 | 4 Jan (Tue) 2:30–4:30pm IOH 12/F Conference Hall (F1202) Workshop aimed at new teaching staff only (for B&A), and new & existing teaching staff (for all other schools) | Question craft: Designing multiple-choice questions and more Emilie Pavey Instructional Designer, ALTO | Assessment is only effective if we create the right questions, and some questions are easier to craft than others. This workshop will begin by examining the judicious use of different question types, before focusing in on multiple-choice questions: how MCQs can be used to assess a range of learning outcomes at different levels. We will then take a detailed look at the practicalities of building effective MCQs, with opportunities for hands-on practice in writing and improving questions. |
| 5 | 5 Jan (Wed) 9:30–11:30am IOH 12/F Conference Hall (F1202) | Enhancing lectures with learning activities and polling questions Ross Vermeer Senior Instructional Designer, ALTO | We know that it's hard to capture and hold the attention of 21st-century students. But we also don't want to waste valuable class time on diversions that don't promote learning. This workshop will introduce effective ways to structure and conduct lectures using a variety of learning activities, with an emphasis on using polling effectively. Participants will practice setting and posting polling questions on the OLE, so they are required to bring their laptops. |
| 6 | 10 Jan (Mon) 9:30–11:30am IOH 12/F Conference Hall (F1202) | Unravelling the course development process Caroline Leung Senior Instructional Designer, ALTO Dr Eva Tsang Director, ALTO | If you've just been assigned a new course development project, you might have some of the following questions:
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| 7 | 10 Jan (Mon) 2:30–4:30pm IOH 12/F Conference Hall (F1202) | Providing effective feedback on students' assignments (business and humanities disciplines) Dr Henry Choi Senior Instructional Designer, ALTO | Effective feedback on students' assignments is an important component of teaching, and it is found to be beneficial to students' learning and performance. But what are the features of effective feedback that really help? The first part of the workshop provides a framework of effective feedback, including its functions, components and writing guidelines. In the second part, participants will prepare feedback on selected student assignments in groups, and discuss how improvements could be made. |
| 8 | 18 Jan (Tue) 9:30–11:30am IOH 12/F Conference Hall (F1202) | Use Kahoot! and Mentimeter effectively in active learning Francis Tsoi Instructional Designer, ALTO | Student Response Systems (SRS), allowing instructors to pose questions and gather students’ responses in real-time, are widely used in higher education to increase student learning motivation and student-teacher interactions. This workshop will demonstrate how to use two award-winning SRS tools, Kahoot! and Mentimeter, to motivate students to get involved, stay motivated. The first part of the workshop will give participants a taster of gamification and real-time interactions from the student perspective. In the second part, they will gain hands-on experience in developing their own Kahoot! games and Mentimeter presentations. Pedagogical advice and pro tips will be provided. In the third part, participants will brainstorm and share their ideas and potential usages in their own teaching. Participants are required to bring their laptops. |
| 9 | 18 Jan (Tue) 2:30–4:30pm IOH 12/F Conference Hall (F1202) | Providing effective feedback to students (science and technology disciplines) Prof. Ricky Kwok VP (S&S) | For students to internalize the newly learned materials, feedback on their work is arguably the most important step in the learning process. In a broad sense, feedback comes in many forms. Quite obviously, feedback can manifest as a simple grade or a mark. Indeed, unfortunately, often times such a simple feedback is the only feedback our students receive for their work. To really help students' learning, more sophisticated feedback is needed. In this workshop, the speaker will first share his ideas of characterizing effective feedback – useful feedback is usually a “triple-A” one, i.e., Actionable, Accountable, and Advancing. The speaker will then work with participants on samples from the Science and Technology disciplines to methodically construct “triple-A” feedback. |
