First Launch of EIE2S02 (Service-Learning subject) in an online mode

To raise the digital literacy of the needy in developing countries, Dr Pauli Lai, Mr Ivan Lau and Mr Richard Pang arranged a service-learning (SL) trip to Vietnam and Cambodia to teach IT knowledge and skills to the clients in 2019 with positive feedback. With this experience, a service-learning subject EIE2S02 was successfully proposed with its first launch on 2021 Jan. Unfortunately, the service delivery had to be conducted online due to the disruption by COVID-19.         

The online SL posed considerable challenges to all the parties. Constraints such as the availability of computers and network stability upset both the university students as service providers and the local students as service clients. However, the challenges also created opportunities such as the personal development of students. With igniting the clients’ interests in digital technology in mind, PolyU students adapted the teaching materials to different situations by adding the game elements.  Despite the service was delivered in an online mode, PolyU students could still inspire the clients to explore digital technologies.

PolyU students have broken through the barrier of physical separation and established bonding with the clients throughout the process of SL.  Looking forward, we hope for the containment of the pandemic and resumption of the on-site SL.  We are sure PolyU students can chart new courses and create new wonders!