S4 IGCSE ICT Learning Journey

S4 IGCSE ICT Learning Journey at Centre for Intelligent Multidimensional Data Analysis at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park on Friday, 6 December 2024

The ICT Department is delighted to share the exceptional experience of our S4 ICT students during their learning journey to the Centre for Intelligent Multidimensional Data Analysis (CIMDA) at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park. This unique opportunity for our students to engage with current practitioners of software technology has allowed them to develop a stronger appreciation of ICT applications in the context of society and the real-world.

The visit started with an office tour of the centre where students moved around and mingled briefly with the engineers and programmers at their work desks. Students were fascinated by the suite of software used, the coding work being carried out, and the professional discussions taking place in an authentic office environment. By observing the operations at CIMDA, students could see firsthand the application of concepts and skills which they learned in the classroom.

Dr. Henry Wong, a postdoctoral fellow at CIMDA delivered a presentation in which he shared on the centre’s work in high-technology research and development. This was pivotal to igniting students’ curiosity in the discipline as exposure to cutting-edge developments in emerging technologies not only informs students about current industry practices but also inspires them to explore potential career paths in technology. Some students have developed newfound interests in fields they had not previously considered, demonstrating the effectiveness of real-world exposure in shaping career aspirations.

Mr Jason Cheung, a software engineer at the centre, introduced the audience to the FunSpark system – a system which features 20 interactive and engaging apps covering four major categories including rehabilitation and elderly care. Students had a lot of fun using and interacting with the apps before they proceeded to the Q&A session with the team of engineers behind the development of the apps.

A significant part of the learning experience was this Q&A session. This interaction provided students with insights into the design cycle of software development and the social motivation which drive the solution behind each development. Thought-provoking questions on artificial intelligence and big data were broached. One of our students prompted everyone in the room to think about how tech developers must be able to manage and overcome the negative perceptions of using AI in their aspirations of doing good with that technology. This focus on ethics is essential in preparing students to navigate the complex moral landscape of the tech industry. The software engineers at the session responded impressively on this, and their insights have provided food for thought in our students, encouraging them to think critically about the implications of these technologies on society, fostering a deeper understanding of their potential impacts.

The visit to CIMDA was an enriching educational experience that successfully combined theoretical knowledge with practical application. By engaging with industry experts and exploring the implications of technology, students gained a well-rounded perspective that will effectively serve them in their academic and professional endeavours. This opportunity underscored the importance of experiential learning in cultivating informed, ethically-minded learners ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.