Overview

Programme Aims

This programme aims to equip primary school teachers with sound knowledge and hands-on practices of e-learning pedagogies specific for English teaching, and strengthen teachers’ both competence and confidence in delivering and sustaining e-learning in primary English curriculum.

On successful completion of the programme, participants will be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings for realising student-centered language learning in the paradigm of learning and teaching for the primary school curriculum;
• advance knowledge about principles and strategies of pedagogical integration of e-learning elements for realising student-centered learning;
• apply knowledge and skills of pedagogical principles and strategies for integrating e-learning elements into subject-specific pedagogical designs for the English curriculum in Hong Kong; and
• strengthen both competence and confidence in delivering and sustaining e-learning in primary English curriculum.

Programme Structure

The programme comprises the following three core courses of 3 credit points each:

Pedagogical Design and Practices in e-Learning Environment

This course will start with an introduction to the general contexts and pedagogical goals of e-learning environments for achieving active, constructive and interactive learning and authentic learning under the learner-centered learning paradigm. There will be a discussion about the generic principles for the design and practice of pedagogies premised on theoretical models, frameworks and strategies such as the Technical Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework, Mobile Learning, Seamless Learning, and Flipped Classroom pedagogical models respectively in e-learning environments. Participants will be engaged in a reflection on how teachers’ knowledge of pedagogical designs, disciplinary contents and technological applications interact with each other and contribute to effective learning and teaching in e-learning environments.

Effective Use of e-Resources in Primary English Classrooms

This course introduces a wide range of e-resources and their applications in promoting effective English teaching and learning in Hong Kong primary schools. Focus will be given to using e-resources to facilitate achieving objectives of the primary curriculum, including reading to learn; IT for interactive learning; project learning and creating a language rich environment. Discussion and demonstrations will include how to arouse students’ interest in English, integrate English language skills more effectively, increase learners’ interaction and collaboration with teachers and classmates, and assist them to begin to take charge of their own learning. The course also includes how e-resources can be integrated with a variety of other teaching approaches to tailor a school-based English curriculum suited to the needs of diverse schools and learners. The effective evaluation of e-resources will be included. IT resources covered in the course include a variety of websites, software packages and hardware tools appropriate to the learning needs of primary students.

Sustainable Development of e-Learning in Schools

This course will explore different resources and strategies to continue developing a sustainable e-Learning environment in school for a key learning area at both short term and long term, such as school-based planning, project funding, project management, teachers’ professional development activities, and learning resources deployment. The course provides participants with conceptual and practical experience in developing a feasible e-Learning development plan and proposal for funding an e-Learning project to be implemented at school upon the completion of the course. Relevant planning and project management models will be introduced as the guiding framework to develop school-based e-Learning plan and project proposal. Participants will be engaged in intellectual learning design and interactive discussions throughout the study. The aim is to stimulate sustainable ideas for future learning and teaching demands with digital environment at schools.

Medium of Instruction

The medium of instruction is English.

Entrance Requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants should be:

• in-service primary school English language teachers; and
• recommended by school principals.

Award

To be awarded a Certificate of Completion, participants must obtain a pass in all assessment tasks required and successfully fulfill the attendance requirements as stipulated by the programme.

Other Information

This Government-funded programme is supported by the Education Bureau (EDB). Schools which release teachers to take this programme are eligible for supply teachers, if deemed necessary. Government and aided schools shall contact the EDB for detailed arrangements. Private and DSS schools shall make their own arrangements for the employment of supply teachers.

Participants who complete our PDPs are eligible to apply for credit transfer if they enroll in our postgraduate programmes. Their applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in this website is correct. Changes to any aspects of the programmes may be made from time to time due to unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control and the University reserves the right to make amendments to any information contained in this website without prior notice. The University accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from any use or misuse of or reliance on any information contained in this website. Any aspect of the course and course offerings (including, without limitation, the content of the course and the manner in which the course is taught) may be subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of the University. Without limiting the right of the University to amend the course and its course offerings, it is envisaged that changes may be required due to factors such as staffing, enrolment levels, logistical arrangements and curriculum changes.