eLearning Workshops

Technology has changed the way we live, especially during the pandemic, where we have adopted flexible online teaching methods such as online lectures and assessments. But how can we make the most of these methods? How can we combine them with in-person teaching to maximize their benefits and improve students’ learning outcomes? Our two workshops will explore these questions using the principles of Blended Learning (BL) and a variety of design scenarios. Furthermore, you will learn how to create effective instructional videos using this approach. By the end of the workshop, you will be able to:

• explain the principle behind Blended Learning (BL) at HKUST
• use the Backward Design approach to derive a course design plan
• describe the development process of a BL course at HKUST

Technology has changed the way we live, especially during the pandemic, where we have adopted flexible online teaching methods such as online lectures and assessments. But how can we make the most of these methods? How can we combine them with in-person teaching to maximize their benefits and improve students’ learning outcomes? Our two workshops will explore these questions using the principles of Blended Learning (BL) and a variety of design scenarios. Furthermore, you will learn how to create effective instructional videos using this approach. By the end of the workshop, you will be able to:

• identify effective strategies to produce instructional videos
• recognize effective strategies to foster self-directed online learning in students
• determine effective methods to monitor students’ progress in online learning
• develop effective strategies to facilitate collaborative in-class activities

Familiarizing yourself with the key features of the LMS - Canvas to get started. At the end of the workshop, you will be able to:

• recall the key features and interface of Canvas
• modify user account notifications settings
• set up a course site and navigation with required tools
• create and manage course content
• manage course participants
• monitor students’ learning progress

Delving deep into the setup of assignments, discussions, and quizzes to support different assessment strategies. At the end of the workshop, you will be able to:

• create and set up various types of assessments
• set up quizzes to support different assessment strategies
• analyze students’ responses on quizzes
• grade assessments with different tools and techniques
• use assignment groups to set up the weighting of different assessment items

Setting up assignments for originality checks and interpreting the Turnitin reports. At the end of the workshop, you will be able to:

• set up assignments with Turnitin originality checks
• grade Turnitin assignments in Canvas SpeedGrader
• read and interpret Turnitin originality reports

Creating virtual collaboration spaces for students and managing group work efficiently. At the end of the workshop, you will be able to:

• create and manage student groups in Canvas
• recall the key features for group collaboration
• set up group assignments and discussions
• grade group assignments and discussions
• set up real-time collaborative sessions using the web conference tool BigBlueButton

An introduction to iPeer, the tool for facilitating student peer evaluation at HKUST. At the end of the workshop, you will be able to:

• describe the iPeer functions and question types
• recall the workflow and steps for conducting iPeer evaluations
• create and manage iPeer courses, students and groups
• create and launch an evaluation event
• obtain results and release grades and comments to students

Use Mentimeter to create presentations with live polls, word clouds, scales, rankings, quizzes and more to keep your students engaged and excited throughout your teaching. By the end of the workshop, you will be able to:

• explain Mentimeter as an active learning tool for engaging students
• describe the basic concepts and features of Mentimeter
• create presentations with interactive activities using Mentimeter
• recall the different slide types available for different interactive activities
• collaborate with colleagues on the creation of Mentimeter presentations
• launch, navigate, and control Mentimeter presentations efficiently
• obtain results and data gathered from Mentimeter presentations

With Mixed-Mode teaching, you can engage with your students both in-person and online. You can even invite guest speakers from overseas to add some diversity and enrich your teaching experience. This approach ensures that everyone stays connected and engaged, regardless of their physical location. By the end of the workshop, you will be able to:

• describe Mixed Mode and Mixed Mode Lite teaching, and determine the appropriate use of each based on relevant factors
• describe how different learning activities can be effectively facilitated in Mixed Mode teaching
• leverage TA support effectively in Mixed Mode teaching
• recognize recommended classroom equipment setup at the CWB campus
• recall HKUST resources and support for Mixed Mode teaching

PowerPoint is well known as the tool for creating slideshows for presentations. In fact, PowerPoint is also a very handy tool to turn slideshows into educational videos. By the end of the workshop, you will be able to:

• compare and evaluate effective designs for educational videos
• utilize PowerPoint’s recording features to create educational videos
• produce your own educational video using PowerPoint

Our home-grown Video Management System (VMS) and In-video Activities (IVA) tool are designed to help you create an interactive video-based learning environment complete with video analytics that track your students' video learning progress. We all know that videos are a great way to grab students' attention, boost motivation, and enhance performance. And we understand how important recorded lecture videos are for innovative approaches to teaching. By the end of the workshop, you will be able to:

• gain hands-on experience on the Video Management System and the In-video Activities tool and recall the workflow for using these tools
• identify the benefits of using interactive videos as an instructional tool
• determine how to evaluate the effectiveness of video-based learning, including tracking students’ engagement and assessing learning outcomes

This workshop is here to help you transition from in-person lectures to online lessons with interactive experiences! And let's be honest, familiarizing yourself with the basic features and setup of Zoom for online teaching. At the end of the workshop, you will be able to:

• locate Zoom global and basic settings
• schedule Zoom sessions with appropriate settings
• utilize the Zoom features (e.g. share screen, annotate, chat, raise hands, and mute/unmute) to facilitate live interactive online lessons
• recall the roles of the host and co-host during a Zoom session
• access and share Zoom recordings after a class
• obtain the Zoom attendance report after a class

Use polling in your live online classes to engage students with real-time responses, assessing their understanding, and gauging class progress. At the end of the workshop, you will be able to:

• use non-verbal feedback as a quick poll
• create polls on the fly and before the session
• download poll results during and after the session
• manage polls as a host, co-host, and alternative host
• use other polling options

Use Zoom Breakout Rooms to fostering collaboration and active learning through group discussions and activities. At the end of the workshop, you will be able to:

• use audio, video, and screen share controls inside a Breakout Room
• set up Breakout Rooms, including manual, random, pre-assign, or self-select groups
• recall the roles of the host versus co-host during Breakout Rooms
• manage Breakout Rooms in progress
• describe pedagogical best practices with Breakout Rooms

Use whiteboard alternatives in live online lectures as a tool to encourage student participation and peer interaction both in and out of class. At the end of the workshop, you will be able to:

• differentiate between the various whiteboard tools (i.e., annotate, classic whiteboard, and new whiteboard) available in Zoom
• describe the best pedagogical tips for using virtual whiteboards
• utilize the new whiteboard and its key functionalities to set up collaborative activities