Keynote Speakers

Assoc. Prof. Bin Zou, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China

邹斌副教授，西交利物浦大学，中国

Research Area: Artificial intelligence, Computer-assisted language teaching, Mobile learning

研究领域：人工智能，计算机辅助语言教学，移动学习

Title:  Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for speaking practice in EFL context

标题：人工智能（AI）应用于英语口语技能训练

Abstract: This presentation explores university students’ perceptions of the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the development of speaking skills in English as a foreign language (EFL) learning context in China. This exploratory first surveyed students’ attitudes of AI for EFL Speaking Skills needs and experiences. A second qualitative phase consisted in interviewing selected students on themes that emerged from the survey. The results of this study indicated that students provided positive comments and expressed their preference to use the AI tool for speaking development due to the absence of teacher’s feedback. They were generally satisfied with practice their English on these AI technologies. However, the findings also suggested that students found some limitations in current AI products. Moreover, students perceived that AI cannot replace teachers. Finally, the results suggested that there is a need for providing more resources including different accents for AI products to help students improve their EFL speaking skills. The present study is to be considered preliminary to further investigation into strategies for the development of AI-EFL for speaking skills. This research will boost interdisciplinary studies of AI technology for EFL, contributing to scholarship at local and international level.

Prof. Boon TAN, PSB Academy, Singapore

陈文龙教授，新加坡PSB学院，新加坡

Research Area: Industry 4.0, servitization, e-business management, technology management supply-chain management, business process re-engineering, and quality management

研究领域：工业4.0，服务化，电子商务管理，技术管理供应链管理，业务流程重组和质量管理

Title:  Applying the Kirkpatrick Model to Developing an Effective Charge Nurse Course in the Singapore Context

标题：基于柯氏模型的新加坡护士长培训课程开发

Abstract: 

Traditionally, nurse leaders are often promoted in unplanned fashion to perform the leadership role without necessary preparations often causing unnecessary stresses for their team. With the recognition of such leadership vacuum and the necessity of succession planning, the Charge Nurse (CN) role is created as part of the strategic priority to provide early exposure and role transition opportunities for Senior Staff Nurses (SSNs) with leadership potential.  

The Singapore hospital recognised the importance of the CN’s contributions on the efficiency and effectiveness of the operation of the units. An initiative is therefore put underway to commence on the development of a Charge Nurse Course (CNC). The author established the benchmark standards in the global context and build on the contextual differences for the development of course. On the other hand, the range of pedagogical approaches in the literature have also been considered extensively, especially if any of these theories have recent developments.  

As such, project aims to provide a firm foundation in which the CNC development can be contextualised towards the local hospital by recognising the similarities and differences in the CN roles across the world in order to establish the best approaches and pedagogies for the development of an effective CNC – a course to prepare SSNs for the newly developed CN role and facilitate leadership transition. Finally, the Kirkpatrick Model is employed in the development phases to maximise the course effectiveness and triangulate the proposed pedagogical approach in order to determine the best approach.