Bringing Teaching to the Future via Blended Learning, e-Learning, and Generative AI

Dr Alex Lam

Dr Alex Lam is an expert in blended learning and e-learning. He has taught English for nearly a decade at local schools including Diocesan Boy’s School (DBS) Primary Division. In his early teaching days, he oversaw the first wave of students who used iPads as learning devices. He recognised the potential in this new technology for the classroom, and spearheaded the integration of e-learning tools, such as the collaborative web platform ‘Padlet,’ into traditional English teaching within DBSPD. He also helped administer over 20 other e-learning applications, as well as supported teachers across various subjects to seamlessly integrate them into their lessons. Dr Lam’s passion for teaching and innovations in e-learning pedagogies have been recognised by numerous teaching awards, such as the e-Learning Awards from the University of Hong Kong (23/24 & 22/23) and the Blended Learning Case Contest from the Jockey Club Blended Learning Project.

Dr Lam has been a recurring guest speaker at the Hong Kong Learning and Teaching Expo, sharing his knowledge on implementing blended learning across curricula, including the use of generative AI in primary-level English learning this year. These talks have generated much interest among frontline educators to try out and adopt these innovative teaching strategies.

Aside from blended learning and e-learning, Dr Lam is also a strong advocate for generative AI and its place in the classroom. He promoted the use of generative AI to other local schools, including Saint Clare’s Primary School , by leading technological demonstrations and developmental workshops. His efforts greatly increased accessibility and initiative of using this tool among students and teachers alike. Regarding other local engagements, Dr Lam is also an active member of FlipEdu HK and the Jockey Club Blended Learning Project at the moment. Through these collaborations, he aims to build a broad community that is excited about blended and e-learning across all Hong Kong schools.

Dr Lam is currently furthering research from his doctoral thesis regarding the use of e-portfolios with generative AI technology in EFL learning, as well as conducting new research on using AI to motivate students and quantify student perceptions to learning. He is enthusiastic about introducing generative AI to wider audiences, and is eager to lend his expertise in blended and e-learning technologies to the department.