For immediate release 30 August 1999
A NEW CHAPTER IN CYBER EDUCATION
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is bringing a new era to Hong KongÕs on-line education through a series of home-grown and University-industry cooperative programs. Today (30 August 1999) the University hosted an inauguration ceremony for the Center for Enhanced Learning and Teaching (CELT) and a joint-venture signing ceremony for the Cyberschool of Information Technology (Cyberschool in short). Dr Alice Lam, JP, Chairwoman of the University Grants Committee, and Professor Chia-Wei Woo, President of HKUST, officiated at the ceremonies.
The key objective of CELT is to facilitate effective learning and teaching by fostering a culture in which both students and teachers can learn to continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills to face todayÕs global challenges. CELT Director Dr Grace Au said, ÒWe aim to support the UniversityÕs mission in advancing the quality of education through continuous improvement in effective learning and teaching methods and technologies.Ó
The Cyberschool, a joint venture between HKUST, Cable & Wireless HKT and IBM China/Hong Kong Ltd, is an on-line learning infrastructure. It utilizes web-based course delivery and multimedia technologies that will enable students to access from campus or at home a wide range of tertiary-level information technology (IT) courses over a broadband internet.
Cable & Wireless HKT provides the bandwidth indispensable for speedy delivery of on-line multimedia courses. Dr K.H. Cheng, Chief Technology Officer of Cable & Wireless HKT, said, ÒWith the extensive coverage of the broadband network, every home can be transformed into a virtual classroom, offering students the convenience of learning at their own pace while providing them with a high level of interactivity.Ó
IBM will provide the necessary hardware and their ÒLearning SpaceÓ system for course development and hosting. ÒIBM is excited to participate in this innovative project and is glad to have the opportunity to contribute,Ó said Cindy Cheng, IBM Greater China GroupÕs e-Business and Multi-industry Solutions Executive. ÒWe believe that the Cyberschool is an answer to todayÕs and tomorrowÕs education needs.Ó
ÒAt a major research university, teaching and research go hand in hand,Ó said Professor Leroy Chang, HKUSTÕs Vice-President for Academic Affairs. ÒHere at HKUST, the application of new technologies in teaching brings together our strengths in information technology and our commitments to studentsÕ learning. It is our goal, both locally and internationally, to become a leader in the on-line delivery of education.Ó
Note to Editors:
For further information, please contact Mr Bosco Wong of the Office of University Development and Public Affairs of HKUST at 2358-6307, or email pamedia@ust.hk; or Ms Penny Cheung of IBM China/Hong Kong Limited at 2825-0035, or email cheunglp@hk1.ibm.com.
