SIMHSE
Ongoing Projects

Interactive E-learning Sets

Interactive E-learning Sets are asynchronous online learning modules that present didactic (i.e. text, images and videos) and interactive elements (i.e. various question types with automated feedback) in a well-considered learning sequence that enables learning of concepts, immediate knowledge check and personalised summaries. These interactive modules have been developed for e-practicals, e-lecture packages, and e-workbooks for consolidation of core concepts.

Clinical Interactive Worksheets

These asynchronous worksheets train students’ stepwise thought processes through diagnostic reasoning and clinical investigations. Case vignettes are followed by systematic questioning coupled with feedback. The immediate, automated, and elaborate feedback given will enable students to prepare for succeeding steps of clinical investigation. Clinical interactive worksheets have been successfully used to train pathology-specific clinical investigations and data interpretations of chest X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, electrocardiograms, etc.

Flashcard Resources

This student-initiated resource aims to provide a systematic organisation of core concepts and systematic tool for learning. The organisation of concepts is co-developed by both teachers and students in table formats. The organised content is delivered through a flashcard software (ANKI) that utilises algorithms promoting active recall and spaced repetition, hence, enabling mastery of difficult concepts over time. Currently, flashcard resources for Pharmacology have been made widely available to MBBS student cohorts.

Simulation-Enabled Practicals

Physiological and pharmacological concepts can often be challenging for healthcare students to grasp. Simulations are promising means to help students consolidate core physiological and pharmacological concepts. New facilities (e.g. Techmezz) and clinically relevant problems are used in executing simulation-based practicals to greatly enhance healthcare students’ motivation and learning.

Adaptive Learning Simulations

These are simulation modules to train decision making. Adaptive learning simulations follow a narrative structure. A learner is presented with a case and must make decisions from a list of options in multiple situations. After the learner chooses, they are presented with the consequences of their choice and the ensuing situation. These simulations have been relevantly used in Medical Ethics and Law, and Medical Humanities teaching.

Online Tagging System

The online tagging system enables clear organisation and visualisation of teaching and learning materials in the learning management system. By inputting a specific topic, learners acquire a list/map of the relevant materials across years of study that are related to the topic of interest.

Active Learning Workshops

Active Learning Workshops are multidisciplinary workshops which will guide students towards consolidation of key concepts, integration of disciplines, and application of knowledge to real case scenarios. These workshops are part of a flipped classroom approach that is designed and facilitated by multidisciplinary teaching teams and near-peer teachers. Active learning strategies are employed.

Interactive Diagrams

Interactive diagrams can scaffold structural identification for complex diagrams. Learners can show and hide different layers of a diagram to thoroughly learn a specific layer and its interconnections with other layers. Currently, interactive diagrams are developed for the learning of complex neurological systems, anatomy, and histology.

Interactive Stations

Each interactive station makes use of step-by-step guides (with illustrations, prompting questions, feedback) to enable in-depth exploration of a specific topic. Currently, interactive stations are developed for in-person practicals and workshops of any class size.

Gamified Learning

Gamification of learning uses game design elements (e.g. narrative structure, experiential learning, and game-player feedback) in non-game contexts. Board games and online games are developed for conceptual revisions or to create immersive learning experiences in ethical dilemmas, healthcare inequalities, and empathy training.

Near Peer Tutors in Problem-Based Learning

Near Peer Tutors (NPTs) are students from a more senior year of study who play the roles of tutors in small group discussions in problem-based learning.  NPTs facilitate the completion of group tasks in relation to the learning outcomes. They are trained by The Bau Institute of Medical and Health Sciences Education (BIMHSE) of HKUMed before being assigned tutor roles.

Near Peer Teaching for Preclinical Students

Pre-clinical Near Peer Teaching (NPT) has been successfully running for three years, in which we recruit senior students from Year 3 to 6 to deliver Zoom tutorials to junior students in Year 1 to 2. It aims to complement formal teaching, integrate knowledge across different lectures, and bridge the gap between pre-clinical knowledge and clinical exposure. Peer learners benefit from interacting with seniors in a relaxed setting through intellectual exchange among different cohorts. Peer teachers also gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter through teaching, creating a win-win situation. We have had over 300 students benefitting from the programme and received overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Near Peer Teachers for Clinical Students

Expanding on our successful pre-clinical NPT, we are introducing in the clinical years Case Discussion Workshops and Bedside Teachings in the upcoming academic year. These sessions will be supported by Professor Desmond Yap, Professor Gary Lau, Professor Pauline Yeung, and Professor Billy Cheung. Bedside Teachings will cover physical examination demonstrations and practice, while Case Discussion Workshops will focus on the framework for history taking and interpretation of investigations, essential for clinical year students.

Peer moderators on Moodle Discussion Forums

Senior year students serve as peer moderators on Moodle discussion forums to engage in discussions with junior students over core learning concepts, sharing with them their learning insights and good learning resources.  Peer moderators play an important role in fostering a supportive learning environment through peer engagement.