The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of many industries, and all practitioners in the sector of higher education likewise feel the significant impact of the pandemic. Educators are especially required to adapt to the online or hybrid modes of teaching and learning, and those whose subjects require laboratory work might be concerned about students’ reactions to such changes.
Dr Joe LAM, IHERD Fellow, and his two teammates from Educational Development Centre (EDC), Dr Dawn LO and Mr. Dick CHAN, studied how science students' learning patterns were affected during and after COVID isolation using Learning Analytics (LA) from 2021-22 to 2023-24 academic year.
The study found that students' performance was higher in the face-to-face mode, and that a re-designed laboratory subject with group project as alternative assessments could improve students’ learning and engagement. Preliminary findings also provided support for videos empowered by Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) considered helpful for students in understanding the subject matter and enhanced their learning experience.
With this study, Dr LAM’s team was invited to present their paper titled “To investigate students’ learning experience by re-designing a university science laboratory subject using alternative assessment and digital technology” at The European Conference on Education 2024 which was held from 11-15 June 2024.
