The Faculty of Education and Human Development (FEHD) has secured HK$3.6 million from the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR) for its 2024-25 Research and Development Projects. This funding will drive innovative initiatives to enhance biliteracy (Chinese and English) and trilingualism (Cantonese, Putonghua, and English) in Hong Kong's early childhood education sector.
Prof Susanna Yeung, Associate Vice President (Quality Assurance) and Professor from PS, has been awarded HK$2.4 million for the groundbreaking "Social Robot" project. This initiative introduces an AI-powered storytelling robot designed to support young English language learners at home, generating personalized content including audio narratives, visual aids, and interactive comprehension exercises.
“This AI social robot is developed to improve oral language competence of kindergarten and primary school students by providing multi-sensory and personalized learning experiences through interactive storytelling and performing facial expressions,” explained Professor Yeung. “Our team will make future enhancements to address the needs of students with special educational needs by offering slower-paced speaking options and enlarged text on screens.”
The project will train 150 teachers and 150 parents in leveraging this cutting-edge technology. Its potential has already garnered international recognition, winning the Jury's Choice Award at the 2024 International Invention Innovation Competition in Canada.
Dr Lin Dan, Associate Dean of Students and Associate Professor from PS, has secured HK$1.1 million for the "Interactive Self-Learning Storybook Reading Programme." This comprehensive initiative focuses on enhancing Chinese proficiency while fostering crucial values such as perseverance, respect, and empathy.
The programme will produce 20 original storybooks and 40 digital lessons, available in both Mandarin and Cantonese via an online platform. It offers diverse and interactive exercises targeting core language skills, with real-time feedback for optimal learning.
“We hope to bridge the learning gap during the critical transition from kindergarten to primary school,” said Dr. Lin. “It is not only a reading programme focusing on reading skills, but also a comprehensive one encouraging parent-child interaction, fostering learning interests, and moral development.”
In collaboration with six partner schools, this project will benefit 600 students and their families.
Both initiatives will run from September 2024 to August 2026. These projects underscore FEHD's commitment to academic excellence and its dedication to nurturing the next generation of multilingual, digitally-savvy learners in Hong Kong's increasingly globalized environment.
