Abstract

BACKGROUND

• Mimic the real plant learning trail by VR technology;
• Provide an equal, immersive, safe alternative to plant learning experience in the field study;
• Generate unlimited teaching and learning possibilities for plant learning;
• Promote flipped classroom, self-learning and popular science;
• Provide training of plant identification skill which is essential for students’ career development in environment, conservation, sciences, medicines and teaching disciplines

METHOD

• Implement the courseware in five phrases: i. Preparation; ii. VR courseware production; iii. Beta-test; iv. Launching; and v. Ongoing production;
• Record the plant learning trail with VR camera and produce a VR interactive courseware;
• Utilize CUHK campus and off-campus natural habitats as modules content;
• Run Beta-test in three CUHK courses;
• Allow students to use their mobile phones with the VR goggles provided to experience a simulated plant learning trail;
• Enrich and assess knowledge gained by users through built-in VR interactive quiz;
• Provide free access for the courseware users;
• Enhance and create synergy with our existing popular e-learning application- Plantwalk@CUHK

OUTCOME

• Produce two campus plant learning trails and one off-campus habitat as module 1-3*;
• Organize an introductory student workshop for each targeted course;
• Achieve the goal of 60% of users acquiring the knowledge of at least 3 plant species and 5 plant character descriptions;
• Accumulate 5000 courseware website visits in three years;
• Share experience to other departments and faculties through Teaching and Learning Innovation Expo 2020

SUSTAINABILITY

• Continue using and adding new interactive elements into module 1-3*;
• Continue creating new modules, e.g. Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, Alumni Trail of CUHK, etc

* Module 1: CUHK United College habitat; Module 2: CUHK Herbal Garden; Module 3: Off-campus rocky shore or mangrove.