Abstract
In COVID-19 crisis, schools are suspended for a substantial period Hong Kong. Online teaching becomes popular in mainstreaming schools. However, there are great challenges to special schools for students with special educational needs, regarding the limited resources in technology and students’ competency in using the technology. Prof. Kenneth Sin will discuss how students with special educational needs will benefit from the technology in learning. He will introduce a number of school-based projects in technology, including Robots, eLearning, Virtual Reality Learning, Technology of Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things Enhanced Online Platform. The resultant outcome not only enhances the learning and teaching in special education, but also leads to our critical reflection for securing digital inclusion and equal learning opportunity for our students with special educational needs. The strategies for achieving the concerted effort and synergic effect in collaboration will be concluded.
Speaker’s Bio
Over the years, Professor Kenneth Sin has been a leader in numerous community activities in the field of special needs and social inclusion. He is widely recognised for his enthusiastic and professional support for the diverse learning needs of students, particularly those with special educational needs (SEN) in local mainstream schools.
Professor Sin’s research-based practice addresses many gaps and deficiencies in the current arrangement and delivery of education. He adopts an integrated approach that connects knowledge transfer with research and teaching. His evidence-based practice and research not only develops new ideas and informs policy changes, but also has significant impacts on the values, attitudes and behaviour of his stakeholders. This further reinforces the mutual support between research and practice in education and facilitates the formation of professional partnerships. The impact of his knowledge transfer activities is well known in local and regional communities.
As the Executive Director of the Institute of Special Educational Needs and Inclusive Education (ISNIE), Professor Sin has enhanced the Institute’s capacity, facilitating the concerted efforts of his team, and has made the Institute a brand name in inclusion. The Institute is now the leading service provider for inclusive KT activities among the universities in Hong Kong. It provides on-site support to schools and offers assistance to NGOs and Parent Associations. Its services, both in quantitative and qualitative terms, are fully appreciated by donors and philanthropists, the HKSAR Government and by organisations in Macao and mainland China.
In 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022, he received Awards, including President’s Awards for Outstanding Performance in Knowledge Transfer (Individual), Outstanding Performance in Teaching (Individual), President’s Awards for Outstanding Performance in Knowledge Transfer (Team) and President’s Award for Outstanding Performance in Administrative Services (Individual) by EdUHK. In 2021, Prof. Sin is awarded the Medal of Honor by HKSAR, in recognition of his achievement in developing special education, particularly his contribution to enhancing special education training for teachers.