Abstract

• This project aims to facilitate virtual experiential learning (via mobile application) in General Education Foundation (GEF) Programme in order to help students to bridge the classics with the perennial issues and reflect on the implication of the classics on contemporary human condition at an early stage of the courses.


• It could substantiate the development of classics teaching and learning into a direction which combines traditional learning tools (e.g. reading, writing and discussion) and innovative learning strategies/frameworks (e.g. virtual experience and blended learning) that enables students’ embodiment and application of essential human issues embedded in classics.


• It consists of five modules that cover around half of the classics from both courses of the GEF Programme. There will be a script designed for a protagonist to engage in different challenging life scenarios (presented in the forms of animations, mini-games, moral dilemmas, conversations, and slide shows) in order to deal with essential issues and debates arising from the classics.


• Students are required to participate in an online discussion forum, as part of the course assessment, to discuss the core issues brought up by the scenarios and justify their own stance towards the dilemmas.


• Quantitative and qualitative methods will be employed to evaluate the success of the project, including online survey, focus group interview and textual analysis of online discussion forum.


• This virtual experiential learning project aligns with the innovative online pedagogy and long term eLearning strategic development of the University; and can be extended to the future MOOC of the GEF Programme.