Abstract
This project aims to develop an integrated lightboard teaching studio to enable eye-catching presentation style in Zoom. To adapt a wide range of professors and lecturers with different teaching styles, drawing tablet and desktop visualizer are introduced as options for illustrating key concepts by handwriting.
Lightboard combines the functionalities of whiteboard and projection screen, which allows the lesson content to float in the space between the teacher and the students. It is a piece of transparent glass illuminated with LED lights. Teachers facing the camera while also writing on the board by fluorescent marker are recorded by camera at the same time. From students’ point of view, they can see the teachers’ eye contact while writing in mid-air.
Another group of teachers may prefer writing their notes on the paper or tablet instead of glass. They can select desktop visualizer or drawing tablet option in our studio such that they can switch the main screen in Zoom from their original presentation file (ppt/pdf) to visualizer / tablet for showing their handwriting. In addition, visualizer can be used to show the hardware / demonstration kit during the lesson.
Two studios will be setup in Ho Sin Hang Engineering Building. Four teachers (professors/ lecturers) will be invited to try our studio with Zoom and assess the setup with comments for further improvement. Twenty students will be invited to feedback their comments on attending online classes from our studio.
Brief write-up
Project objectives
This project aims to develop an integrated light-board teaching studio to enable eye-catching presentation style in Zoom. Drawing tablet and desktop visualizer are introduced as options for illustrating key concepts by handwriting during lesson.
Activities, process and outcomes
The relevant hardware equipment was purchased and two studios were setup in Ho Sin Hang Engineering Building. The internal assessments were conducted by two lecturers from the Department of Electronic Engineering. Trial lesson with 33 undergraduate students was conducted via Zoom, positive feedback from students were obtained.
Deliverables and evaluation
Two studios were well established, which help teachers in online teaching not only by using presentation files, but also by real-time handwriting in lightboard, 3D visualization, etc at the same time. Both teachers and students can experience good teaching and learning quality.
Dissemination, diffusion, impact and sharing of good practices
The project outcomes were promoted in CUHK Teaching and Learning Innovation Expo in Jul-2020.
Impact on teaching and learning
The teaching approache is changed by adopting this studio to conduct zoom lesson. Traditionally, teacher need to turn back to write the text on a white board; making use of lightboard, teacher can write bright, clear text when facing the students to keep eye contact. In addition, more facial expressions and body languages can be used combining with lightboard teaching.
