HKPC and QEF Jointly Promote "e-Learning Ancillary Facilities Programme" to Popularise Education Technology Sharing Initial Success and Integration in Schools to Address Diverse Learning Needs

(Hong Kong, 31 October 2024) The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) makes due effort in promoting TechEd and nurturing talent. Since 2023, as invited by the Quality Education Fund (QEF), we are serving as a collaborative partner to jointly promote the e-Learning Ancillary Facilities Programme (the Programme), fostering the application and development of advanced technologies in education. In the last twelve months, HKPC Academy has actively provided technical support, consultancy services and networking opportunities for marketing to the 22 projects funded by QEF to expedite the implementation of the projects. At present, most projects are smooth in implementation with some conducting try out in pilot schools. Prototypes of the designs are introduced via teacher training workshops and experience sharing sessions with feedback timely collected for refinement of the functions of the deliverables.

“SWEETIE”: an AI Platform Encourages Engineering Thinking and Self-Direct Learning
The HKSAR Government has been actively promoting STEAM education in recent years, with the Primary Science curriculum scheduled to launch in the 2025/26 school year. This curriculum emphasises two key areas: "Science Inquiry" and "Engineering Design and Innovation”. Its objective is to offer students a wide range of engaging "hands-on and minds-on" learning experiences. The "SWEETIE" programme, developed by Dr. Wan Zhihong, from The Education University of Hong Kong, is an interactive platform that integrates traditional classroom instruction with online learning and AI technology, facilitating systematic STEAM learning and robotic education for students. Principal Ching Chi-cheung of The Salvation Army Ann Wyllie Memorial School, a participant in the pilot programme, stated, "SWEETIE is not merely a set of hardware; it is a curriculum framework with comprehensive teaching methodologies and rich learning contents. It is particularly suitable for Science curriculum that focus on 'cultivating students' engineering thinking.' Students can use the tools to bring their ideas to reality, thereby enhancing their problem-solving skills. I believe this solution is highly aligned with the new development in education."

“Teach Precisely, Learn Efficiently”: Supports Special Learning Needs and Builds Inclusive Campus
On the other hand, e-learning can mitigate individual learning disparities and cater to the diverse needs of students. The "Teach Precisely, Learn Efficiently" initiated by the Sam Shui Natives Association School Fund Ltd Lau Pun Cheung School, is an e-learning platform specifically designed for students with special learning needs, complemented by a series of English self-learning games tailored for those with dyslexia. The project team believes in "Building For Tomorrow Today". This platform leverages big data to integrate various teaching and assessment tools, analysing students' backgrounds and non-academic performance to create personalised learning plans. This effectively supports students in their development, boosting their motivation and academic performance, and achieving an equal learning philosophy of "co-creation, sharing, and inclusivity”.

HKPC Fosters Talent with Smart Campus Development
HKPC recognises that talent and creativity are key elements in driving new productive forces. Therefore, it is dedicated to promoting smart campus development and related projects to help the government, business sector, academia, and the I&T community to foster diverse networks and collaborative opportunities for programme initiatives and marketing efforts, thus facilitating the development of smart campuses. In April 2024, HKPC established the "AI Applications Hall” at the HKPC Building, showcasing AI solutions across various industries. Furthermore, a "SWEETIE" demonstration area was set up to provide industry professionals, media, and the public with firsthand experience of the concepts and features of this learning platform. As of today, the hall has attracted over 5,000 visitors. HKPC Academy will also participate in the "Learning and Teaching Expo 2024" this December and host an exhibition in the second quarter of 2025 to present various EdTech solutions to educators and students for future talent development. HKPC Academy will leverage its strength to popularise EdTech, enhance interdisciplinary teaching quality, and address the special learning needs of students.

The 22 projects under the programme cover innovative technologies including AI, virtual reality, augmented reality, big data and more, making them suitable for diverse subjects and educational levels. To provide the education sector with a deeper understanding of the programme, project leaflets are available on the first floor of the HKPC Building, and the public is welcome to visit. For more details, please visit the InnoSpace website or email innospace@hkpc.org for inquiries.

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The “SWEETIE” programme, developed by Dr. Wan Zhihong, from The Education University of Hong Kong, is showcased at the “AI Applications Hall” at HKPC Building.

The “Teach Precisely, Learn Efficiently” initiated by the Sam Shui Natives Association School Fund Ltd Lau Pun Cheung School, is an e-learning platform specifically designed for students with special learning needs.

Teacher training workshops organised by the project teams of the e-Learning Ancillary Facilities Programme.