Visually-impaired students can now easily have textbooks and notes transcribed into electronic voice versions for free so that they can listen to them anytime and anywhere under a three-year HK$7.95 million Jockey Club E-Learning For All Project. Complementing this is a brand new e-learning resources portal launched today (28 June) where images of text can be converted into text files in a timely manner so that the needy can use screen-reading software to listen and learn.
The Club’s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So joined Hong Kong Blind Union President Chong Chan-yau, Legislative Council members Charles Mok and Ip Kin-yuen and Hong Kong Council of Social Service Chief Executive Chua Hoi-wai to officiate at the launching ceremony of the e-learning resources portal and the Project casebook.
Mr So said, “The Club is pleased to support the running of the Jockey Club E-Learning For All Project by the Union. With the use of advanced technology, at least 1,000 textbooks and 1,800 pieces of learning materials will be turned into accessible electronic or tactile format over three years. The newly-launched e-learning resources portal under the Project can further assist students with visual impairment or other disabilities.”
Under the Project, which has been funded by the Club’s Charities Trust since August last year, visually-impaired or dyslexic students and those with other disabilities who register as users can get help from the Blind Union to turn any printed textbook, reference book and learning kit into computer-readable text for free. The staff and volunteers help proofread the text and describe graphs and maps, if any. The Union also evaluates the latest technical aids to develop new educational software for students’ use.
Now, with the launch of the e-learning resources portal (http://elfa.hkbu.org.hk), registered users can upload any image of text and receive the text file automatically generated by optical character recognition in 24 hours through email. The new website also introduces various e-learning assistive devices and principles of producing e-learning materials accessible to people with disabilities.
Addressing the needs of people with disabilities is a key focus of the Trust’s donations. The Jockey Club’s support for the 50-year-old Blind Union dates from 1982, with more than HK$13 million contributed towards various projects since then.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world’s leading horse racing organisations, but also Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.
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The Cluba£į?s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So says the Club is pleased to support the running of the Jockey Club E-Learning For All Project by the Union. With the use of advanced technology, at least 1,000 textbooks and 1,800 pieces of learning materials will be turned into accessible electronic or tactile format over three years.
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The Cluba£į?s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So (3rd left) joins Hong Kong Blind Union President Chong Chan-yau (1st left), Legislative Council members Charles Mok (3rd right) and Ip Kin-yuen (2nd left), Hong Kong Council of Social Service Chief Executive Chua Hoi-wai (2nd right) and visually-impaired student Eli Tang (1st right) to attend the launching ceremony of the e-learning resources portal and the casebook under the Jockey Club E-Learning For All Project.
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Visually-impaired Tsz-nok (1st right), a Secondary Three student at Ebenezer School, says it is more efficient to learn by listening to e-textbooks.
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In the sharing session, the mother of a dyslexic Secondary Four student, Mrs Poon, says her son, who joined the Jockey Club E-Learning For All Project last year, finds it much easier to comprehend textbooks by listening to the text while reading.
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