Cloud-based interactive mobile e-learning platform for Flipped Classroom implementation in the University of Hong Kong

Abstract

Flipped classroom is an emerging pedagogy in higher education. There is a huge demand for an interactive mobile solution that can facilitate lectures to conduct flipped classroom in an innovative and effective way. The e-Learning Development Laboratory in the University of Hong Kong had developed a cloud-based intelligent solution called iClass LMS to help flipped classroom and smart formative assessment through different mobile devices such as smart phone or tablet PC. Students can share their ideas and express their views by drawing pictures and writing keywords. Their works can be sent to the lecture screen through the WiFi in real-time. Teachers can conduct real-time in-class assessment with instance diagnosis and performance statistic. The solution also embeds with a Mobile Device Management (MDM) System for school IT administrator to manage the school-base iPad more efficiently. The full paper will introduce the features, system structure and architecture of of iClass LMS. The challenges and solutions of e-learning development will be discussed. The solution has been deployed in Hong Kong, the United States, Mainland and Singapore. A few practical cases of flipped classroom implementation with iClass in not only the University of Hong Kong but also some overseas universities such as Harvard University and Edinburg University will also be shared in the paper.