PolyU scholar interviewed on EdTech

Dr Fridolin Ting, Teaching Fellow, Department of Applied Mathematics, was interviewed on the development of EdTech, i.e. the use of technology to facilitate learning and teaching. Dr Ting and his team developed free educational technology platforms like "Badaboom!" and "The Cell Game", incorporating gaming elements. These platforms are not only suitable for primary school students, but also secondary and university students.

Another platform developed by Dr Ting is the anonymous messaging app "YoTeach!" which includes functions like voting, picture annotation, handwritten number and symbol recognition, for demonstrating concepts in graphs and formulae. Now being used by eight local secondary schools in math education, this well-received app is useful in distant STEM education as well as supplementing face-to-face classes. Dr Ting's team regularly visits schools to introduce the app to teachers and students.  

In terms of EdTech development, Dr Ting said Hong Kong is behind countries like the US, Sweden and Finland. The reason is that Hong Kong currently has no large scale EdTech companies to help promote development in this area. However, he believed the city could catch up if more resources could be put into this aspect. Dr Ting also said that many issues in the field of education have been brought up by the pandemic and reforms are underway. He remarked that EdTech is no longer a supporting role but will play a leading role in education even after the pandemic. Applicable during classes or outside classes, EdTech can improve class atmosphere, enhance learning interests, and motivate active learning.

Dr Ting also said, in developing Ed Tech, pedagogy is more important than technology. Therefore, one should consider how to provide solutions to education problems by developing tech products. Hong Kong can make reference to the US, Sweden and Finland.