CFI Project tasks

IFLMOL

A major goal of the CFI is to develop a next-generation learning model for the OUHK called the Intelligent Flexible Learning Model of Open Learning (IFLMOL) that blends the best of distance learning, face-to-face teaching, and online learning. The IFLMOL is a blended learning model featuring Smart Teaching and Learning Spaces and is supported by an integrated student support system

The specific systems to be developed by the IFLMOL include:

”E An intelligent tutoring system
”E An intelligent student counselling system
”E An integrated student support system.
Tasks Details
iTutoring system

A 7x24 system which makes use of intelligent agents to provide instant markers”¦ reviews, automatic marking and comments on students”¦answers.

Through online assessment and progress tracking, the system can provide diagnostic feedback to the students. The system also hosts large databases of questions that enable tests to be easily generated, and auto-graded with feedback provided.

Deliverables:
Smart Teaching / Learning Space --- [Introduction Video Clip]

- Scheduling tool
- Discussion board award system --- [Introduction Video Clip]
- iChecker (Plagiarism detection tool)
- Alert tool --- [Introduction Video Clip]
- Audio/Video conference tool --- [Introduction Video Clip]
- Tracking students' progress tool --- [Introduction Video Clip]
- FAQ data bank
- iMarker (Online marking tool) / iViewer (Intelligent Viewer) --- [Introduction Video Clip]
- Reusable teaching objects --- [Introduction Video Clip]
- Repositories for tutoring notes - MyDrive
iCounselling system

A set of powerful artificial intelligence software tools that can provide prompt, personalized 7x24 advice on potential study choices and feedback on students' study progress. The system will mimic the role of a teacher/advisor when responding to students”¦ enquiries in areas such as career development by using its sophisticated data mining, semantic search capabilities.

When implemented, the iCounselling system can help prospective and current students by:

- providing pre-enrolment counselling on programme/course choices, study methods, and financial assistance;
- identifying students for necessary counselling;
- sending alert and advice email and SMS messages to students;
- requesting tutors to contact students with study difficulties;
- providing instant advice on various student support services such as financial assistance, advanced standing application and career guidance;
- providing instant responses to student enquiries through a ”„smart' Q&A system;
- reminding students of various logistical matters such as deadlines of assignments, examinations dates and change of tutorials.

Deliverables:
- Demonstration of i-Counseling System
- Design concepts of Academic Counseling Module
- Design concepts of Academic Advisement Module
Integrated student support system

At present many of the OUHK's student support systems are segregated from each other. Integrating everything into one system will provide a single platform for the students, which will make the functions easier and quicker to access.

Sub-systems will be developed/enhanced for student support functions such as tutorial group selection, help desk for advanced standing applications, study and graduation planning, etc.


Academic projects

The objective of the CFI is to encourage and catalyze innovations which are applicable and beneficial to our pedagogical practice and to the student learning processes. The University has already started to develop multimedia interactive courseware which are available for the public to access and is seeking to carry out more innovative academic projects to improve academic practices.

Projects Details
Free courseware 150 free courses are planned for 2007-2010. The courseware will include multimedia interactive elements such as online self-assessment tools, computational exercises and quizzes using speech technology and gaming tools.
Hong Kong Innovative e-Learning Tool Design Competition 2009

The competition is jointly organized by the Centre for Innovation and the School of Science and Technology as part of the celebration programme of the 20th anniversary of the Open University of Hong Kong, to:

”Epromote the innovative use of learning technologies in secondary schools;
”Ehelp students develop their sense of independent learning;
”Eoffer students the experiences needed to become self-motivated and life-long learners; and
”Earouse the interest of local schools in computing and Internet technologies.
Teaching & Learning Portal of LiPACE Create a Teaching & Learning Portal for LiPACE by Sharepoint 2007.
--- [Introduction Video Clip]
Web 2.0 applications Develop the Web2.0 applications for S&T courses.
Nursing projects Multimedia teaching and learning components will be included in Nursing face-to-face and distance learning courses.
eCommunities Other projects under consideration include, but are not limited to, the following:
-the creation of online forum
-the creation of sharing information and teaching and learning notes.