As vernacular architecture faces various threats, how do we make sure that the needs of both the current and future generations are met? In Week 4 of Vernacular Architecture of Asia, we focus on the conservation of the built vernacular heritage. Register to take the course for free at http://tinyurl.com/architecturemooc and join learners from around the world on July 26, 2016. Find out more about it here!
Creating online videos is easier than you think, even if you are no tech guru. With a graphing tablet, a microphone and a screen capture software, you can create DIY videos efficiently. In the Spring 2016 semester, Dr. Rachel K.W. Lui, Dr. K.F. Lam, Dr. William M.Y. Cheung and Dr. N.K. Tsing of the Faculty of Science tried this DIY approach of creating videos for flipping their first-year science foundation course, “SCNC1111 Scientific method and reasoning.”
Screen-capturing
Rachel created a series of short videos using a screen capture software called Camtasia. She started by putting teaching contents in presentation slides, then highlighted keywords and added annotations on a separate tablet while going through the slides. To ensure that students are engaged, she kept the videos short (2-5 minutes), illustrating one concept in each video. Students could also refer back to particular concepts easily. All videos were done in one take. The recording time was roughly the same as the time she used in delivering lectures.
Each video will be 2-5 minutes long and covers one concept at a time.
Using videos in a flipped class
The videos were used in flipping the science class. As opposed to lecturing during the entire class, the class now consisted of first replaying videos with explanations, followed by time for in-class activities. For example, in groups of three, student solved problems using concepts learnt from the videos. Teachers were able to walk around the classroom and offer individualized support to students. Selected groups would then present their answers in front of the class using slide projectors. Members of well-performed groups would be awarded one point towards their final grade.
Putting videos online prevents wasted lecture time to teach concepts again.
Through presenting key concepts in short videos, teachers are now free to organize more interactive in-class activities. Students can also consolidate their understanding through reviewing the videos anytime, anywhere. The use of online videos enhances the quality of learning, and it is not difficult to create your own videos via screen-capturing. Want to give it a try? Contact Us.
Does the city you live in have “slum” areas? Have you ever thought about how they are built and how they meet the needs of the people who live there? In Week 3 of the Vernacular Architecture of Asia: Tradition, Modernity & Cultural Sustainability, we continue our examination of the urban environment by focusing on these “informal settlements”. Register for the course for free at http://tinyurl.com/architecturemooc and join learners from around the world on July 26, 2016. Find out more about it here!
Faculties are now invited to submit course proposals for the next phase of our experimentation with massive open online courses (MOOCs) that commences in 2017-18. It is anticipated that all Faculties will be participating in this call to explore how the University can capitalize on this new way of teaching and learning and stay relevant in a worldwide movement of setting new education standards.