The Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre (TALIC) is a unit dedicated to supporting teachers in various teaching and learning (T&L) activities in the University. Being a key member of Innovation pillar in TALIC, Dr Carson Hung works with teachers on developing EdTech projects, and integrate them into courses to engage students without the border of the learning curve of innovative technologies.
A Companion in EdTech Tools Development
As an E-learning Technologist with extensive knowledge and experience in system and app development, Dr Hung serves as a consultant as well as a go-to person for teachers who are eager to adopt innovative technologies in the classroom to engage students but lacking of resources and expertise to attain the goals. Under Dr Hung’s leadership, a team of experienced web developers and game developers has developed number of tools including VR/AR apps, web platforms and mobile apps. He was the project lead in the development of well-received VR/AR apps, including “Crime Scene Simulation app”, “Nursing Practicum Simulation app”, and “Public Speech Practice app”, in collaboration with Department of Pathology, School of Nursing and School of Chinese respectively. The team has also developed several web platforms include VideoVox, Peer Evaluation Platform (PEP), and Dentistry Corpus. These platforms serve different purposes and support various aspects of T&L. In addition, Dr Hung has created various T&L related mobile apps published on iOS and android play stores, such as “Chemapp” and “Newssary”. In the process of EdTech tools development, Dr Hung works closely with teachers on various aspects, from feasibility studies, project effort estimation, best practices in usage in T&L to on-site technical support during the class, etc.
Apart from system and app development, Dr Hung manages two key consultation channels which are opened for HKU members for e-learning questions, ranging from AI literacy, video production, and online platform development to pedagogy advice. Teachers can reach out for timely technological support through a WhatsApp Hotline and a One-to-One Consultation Appointment Service. The two channels contributed significantly to the smooth transition to fully online teaching during COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Hung also works with teachers on the online modules to support pedagogy innovation. He is in-charging of the maintenance of the HKU Online Learning platform – https://learning.hku.hk which now hosting over 70 online courses developed by different faculties and units.
The Driving Force of T&L Innovation
Dr Hung believes that technology development is instrumental in driving T&L innovation forward. From the invention of computer, the widespread of the Internet, the emergence of mobile phone with touch screen and mobile apps, the adoption of virtual T&L tools to the recent rise of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), technology does not only change our daily life but also brings tremendous opportunities in redesigning T&L activities. With Dr Hung’s support, a Common Core teacher has created an immersive learning experience through virtual reality simulation of the authentic situation – the crime scene simulation on the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset. The advancement in AI technology, in particular ChatGPT, DALL-E, makes educators sees the possibility of delivering personalised learning experiences through instant feedback.
Dr Hung highlighted that the pace of technology advancement was rapidly accelerating, the way it changed the world, in particular in T&L was unimaginable 20 years ago. We should stay open-minded and embrace the challenges to take full advantage of all these advancements.
Dr. Carson Ka Shun HUNG
Lecturer / E-learning Technologist
Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre