Dr. Wong Lung Hsiang Advocates for Thoughtful Integration of Smart Learning Environments at two International Panel Discussions

Dr. Wong Lung Hsiang, Senior Education Research Scientist at the Centre for Research in Pedagogy and Practice (CRPP), recently took part in two distinct panel webinars focused on smart learning environments (SLEs). SLEs are technologically enhanced learning environments that prioritize flexibility, effectiveness, efficiency, engagement, adaptability, and reflectiveness. They seamlessly blend formal and informal learning. An SLE can encompass a combination of smart technologies, such as artificial intelligence, learning analytics, mobile technology, 5G, augmented reality, virtual reality, internet of things, robotics, and so on, to achieve these goals.

On June 20, 2023, Dr. Wong was invited to participate in a virtual open debate titled "Smart Learning Ecosystems beyond 2030" at the 8th Conference on Smart Learning Ecosystems and Regional Development (http://slerd.uniroma2.it/). This event featured Professor Blaženka Divjak, former Education Minister of Croatia, and three other panellists from the USA, Italy, and the Philippines. The debate aimed to provide a multifaceted perspective on the anticipated evolution of smart learning ecosystems beyond 2030, a milestone set by UNESCO for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. During the discussion, Dr. Wong highlighted the importance of balanced development in SLEs, cautioning against overemphasis on technological innovation and adaptivity without considering underlying learning theories, as well as the associated costs of scalability and sustainability. He also addressed the potential for widening digital disparities among schools and learners.

On July 31, 2023, Dr. Wong played a role in a panel discussion titled "Smart Technologies in Education: Policies for Effective and Ethical Use," part of the APSCE (Asia-Pacific Society for Computers in Education) Webinar series. The webinar delved into the realm of education policy and its role in promoting the ethical and effective utilisation of smart technologies in education. It explored ways to regulate smart technology use to ensure privacy, security, and unbiased application, while also maximising their effectiveness in assessment and evaluation practices.