HONG KONG SAR -
Media OutReach Newswire
- 28 June 2024 - As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly
prevalent, students who possess creative thinking and problem-solving
abilities can sustain their competitiveness in an era of rapid change.
CoolThink@JC, an initiative created and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey
Club Charities Trust, aims to foster digital creativity in young
learners, motivating them from an early age to use technology for the
benefit of society.
The CoolThink@JC Commendation Scheme 2024 Ceremony was successfully held
on 28 June, recognising schools and teachers who have made significant
contributions to computational thinking education and demonstrated a
commitment to excellence. The Ceremony also honoured students who are
actively engaged in their learning, with the introduction of a new
CoolThink Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award to acknowledge their
exceptional achievements in promoting computational thinking and
enhancing the overall quality of education.
The recipients of the CoolThink@JC Commendation Scheme 2024 have been
announced following a rigorous selection by a jury composed of academics
and educators (visit the
website
for full list of awardees). Three schools have been recognised as
Resource Schools, 26 as CoolThink Network Schools, 20 teachers as
CoolThink Fellows, 132 teachers as CoolThink Teachers, and 187 students
as CoolThink High-Flyers. Nine teaching assistants received the new
CoolThink Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award. These dedicated
individuals assist teachers in delivering high-quality education and
facilitating meaningful learning experiences.
Ms Ada Chu, Head of Charities (Talent and Sector Development; Institute
of Philanthropy) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said at the Commendation
Ceremony: "CoolThink@JC believes that computational thinking education
should be a fundamental component of basic education as it is an
essential skill for the 21st century. Over the last eight years, the
Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has invested more than HK$500
million to provide computational thinking education for upper primary
students, fostering their ability to actively use technology for
societal benefit while integrating computational thinking into standard
curricula. We are delighted that the Education Bureau formally adopted
and adapted CoolThink@JC's materials in 2023, integrating them into the
standard curriculum of all primary schools in Hong Kong, thus ensuring
equitable learning opportunities for all."
CoolThink@JC not only cultivates critical thinking and encourages
students to engage in digital programming, it also transforms the
classroom dynamics for teachers. Through innovative educational
strategies, teaching methods and comprehensive support, education is
enhanced, magnifying the overall impact of teaching. The curriculum
places students at the centre, transforming teachers from content
deliverers to facilitators who guide students in critical thinking,
questioning and problem-solving, motivating them to learn independently.
CoolThink@JC consists of two distinct phases: the pilot phase (2016 to
2020) and the second phase (post-2020). Both phases have yielded
significant outcomes, global recognition and a sustainable impact. After
eight-year on-going efforts, the scheme has engaged over 100,000
students and 30,000 parents. It covered 100% of public and subsidised
schools, trained more than 2,000 teachers, and demonstrated The Hong
Kong Jockey Club's commitment to advancing computational thinking
education. The CoolThink@JC content has been adopted and adapted in the
Education Bureau's Curriculum Modules for Innovation and Technology
Education. By promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts
and Mathematics) education in primary schools, it equips students with
essential 21st-century skills and enhances their digital literacy.
Appendix:
CoolThink@JC Commendation Scheme 2024 - Teachers & Students Experience Sharing
Four students spoke on the topic of "Learning How to Learn", discussing
how computational thinking facilitates growth across various subjects
and environments. Among them, Pui Kiu College F.1 students Clement Chan
Yik-hong and Oa-Yang Yee-ching showcased the "I-smart school bag". They
shared the benefits of applying computational thinking outside the
classroom and how it assisted secondary school learning. They are
continuously refining their design of the "I-smart school bag" in the
hope that more primary students will benefit. Damaso Clyde Jaiden, a P.6
student from Jordan Road Government Primary School and a
non-Chinese-speaking student, explained how computational thinking has
enabled him to develop new skills and significantly boosted his
confidence and engagement in both school and the wider community. Siu
Chor Laam, a P.6 student at Cho Yiu Catholic Primary School, shared her
experiences as a CoolThinker, detailing how she helps her classmates
learn computational thinking at school.
Three teachers and teaching assistants discussed the importance of
computational thinking education for personal growth in teaching. Mr.
Astom Wong from Fung Kai No.1 Primary School, a resource school,
emphasised the importance of upskilling for teachers and explained how
the computational thinking education programme enhances teachers'
skills. Janice So, a senior teaching lead from City University of Hong
Kong, elaborated on her co-teaching role and summarised her experiences
in promoting computational thinking education across various schools,
highlighting the transformation of teachers and teaching assistants
involved in the programme.
Mr. Oscar Chow, who transitioned from a teaching assistant to a
CoolThink teacher at HKUGA Primary School, recounted his journey as a
teacher without an IT background. He first engaged with CoolThink@JC
while at university in 2017, and it inspired him to pursue a career as a
STEM teacher to promote the development of computational thinking in
schools. He discussed the growth and evolution of computational thinking
education over the past eight years. Mr. Chow also anticipated a future
in which artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly mature. He
explored how computational thinking can effectively prepare students and
teachers for the AI era.
Full list of awardees is available on the website:
https://www.coolthink.hk/coolthink-%E9%A0%92%E7%8D%8E%E5%85%B8%E7%A6%AE-23-2413131313/