HKUST and HKIED Offer Joint IT Teacher Education Programme

Abstract

[evdate 2000-01-17] For release 17 January 2000

HKUST AND HKIED OFFER JOINT IT TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMME

The Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd) and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) signed an academic collaboration agreement today (17 January 2000), signifying their mutual commitment to exploring academic interchanges. Signed by Professor Ruth Hayhoe, Director of HKIEd, and Professor Chia-Wei Woo, President of HKUST, the agreement includes the joint offering of a new four-year full-time degree programme "Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Mathematics / Information Technology Education" from September 2000.

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Hayhoe said that the programme demonstrates the commitment of both institutions to training competent teachers of information technology (IT), and at the same time reflects the growing trend of cooperation among local tertiary institutions. She believes that, by combining the respective strengths of the two institutions in science, technology and teacher education, the programme will help facilitate the implementation of the HKSAR Government's IT strategic plan in education. Graduates of the programme will be well-equipped to teach mathematics and IT subjects in secondary schools and apply IT in their teaching.

Professor Woo believes that the future of Hong Kong depends on the transformation into a knowledge-based economy, in which IT is a major driving force. "Solid primary and secondary education provides the infrastructure for developing our young people, which is the key to advancing towards a knowledge-based society," said Professor Woo, "HKUST's mandate is to contribute to the economic and social development of Hong Kong through education and technology. We are happy to have the opportunity to collaborate with HKIEd to develop outstanding teachers for educating the future backbone of our society."

During the four-year programme, students will spend time at both campuses attending modules on professional teacher education and academic studies. HKUST will be responsible for the academic studies modules, whereas the professional teacher training modules, amounting to approximately one year of the programme's study time, will be provided by HKIEd. In addition, students will gain valuable experience from teaching practice at secondary schools.

In addition to the degree programme, the two institutions will also join hands in several other areas of collaboration under the agreement. These areas include student exchanges, joint conferences and seminars, and further collaboration on teacher education programmes, academic support and administrative services.

Note to Editors: For enquiries, please contact Ms Edith Tam, Information Officer of External Relations Department, HKIEd, at 2948-6053; or Miss Maggie Lee, Assistant Information Officer, at 2948-6043.