(18 April 2012 – Hong Kong) Technology moves faster than in any industry, e-learning becomes the future trend in the education community. Yet, at present, not many teachers master the latest e-learning tools and softwares effectively. In view of these, Tung Wah College (TWC) has collaborated with Apple Inc, the renowned computer brand and its authorized partner, Senco-Masslink Technology Limited to setup the first iCampus Experience Centre focusing on Co-operative (Co-op) Education and e-Learning Training.
The official opening ceremony of the Centre was held today. Guests from Education Bureau, Apple authorized partner Senco-Masslink Technology Limited and Pacific Coffee, etc. were invited to the ceremony. Prof. Thomas Wong, President of TWC said, unlike other iCampuses in other institutions, the Centre at TWC is the first Apple’s authorized regional training centre that offers different e-learning courses and workshops for primary and secondary school teachers, furthermore it also offers retail services and technical support to the College.

As one of the officiating guests, Mr. Kenneth Chen, JP, Under Secretary for Education, mentioned that e-learning has become the up and coming education trend in the academic sector. “I was told that even a 14-year-old student could manage to use different software to design an e-book with graphics and sounds as his homework. This is a compelling force for our teachers to improve their skills on e-learning to cope with the ever-changing environment.

Mr Chen looks forward to a fruitful development of the Centre that would provide practical training to teachers of primary and secondary schools. He extends his best wishes to the future success of the Centre.

To kick off the ceremony, each of the officiating guests held one iPad, with all the characters of "iCampus" showing after the guests scrolling across the monitors. This symbolized the concerted efforts of all the stakeholders to put things together to set up the iCampus.

The Centre is going to provide teachers with a 3-stage training, which includes fundamental courses such as programming introductions and workshops; programmes experience for different subjects including mathematics and language teachings; and professional certificate courses such as graphic editing and image processing. Teachers will be provided with training on the basics and learning to incorporate e-learning in their daily teaching. We expect more than 200 teachers will be benefited each year.

iCampus also demonstrates the unique "Co-op" spirit of the College. The Centre will offer part-time job opportunities or paid internship to students up to a maximum period of one year. Students will receive different types of trainings during internship to enhance their understanding on electronic products and prepare them to engage in the IT industry, and they will have competitive advantages when applying jobs from related industries in the future.

In line with TWC’s ideology in "Learning Without Wall", the Centre has also setup an iReading Corner, where students can borrow iMac and iPad to read different types of e-information, such as e-books, movie clips, etc, at a comfortable environment with cozy sofas. In addition, the College is planning to launch a pilot scheme in iPad learning in the next academic year, with an aim to elevating and enriching the quality of e-learning and take teaching to the next level.

For media enquiries:
Mr. Chris Ha
Manager
Community Relations and Partnership Development Office
Phone: 2926 5519
Email: [email protected]
Ms. Man Cheung
Executive Officer
Community Relations and Partnership Development Office
Phone: 2926 5516
Email: [email protected]