This study explores university students' perceptions of generative AI (GenAI) technologies, such as ChatGPT, in higher education, focusing on familiarity, their willingness to engage, potential benefits and challenges, and effective integration. A survey of 399 undergraduate and postgraduate students from various disciplines in Hong Kong revealed a generally positive attitude towards GenAI in teaching and learning. Students recognized the potential for personalized learning support, writing and brainstorming assistance, and research and analysis capabilities. However, concerns about accuracy, privacy, ethical issues, and the impact on personal development, career prospects, and societal values were also expressed. According to John Biggs' 3P model, student perceptions significantly influence learning approaches and outcomes. By understanding students' perceptions, educators and policymakers can tailor GenAI technologies to address needs and concerns while promoting effective learning outcomes. Insights from this study can inform policy development around the integration of GenAI technologies into higher education. By understanding students' perceptions and addressing their concerns, policymakers can create well-informed guidelines and strategies for the responsible and effective implementation of GenAI tools, ultimately enhancing teaching and learning experiences in higher education. Highlights: This study focuses on the integration of generative AI (GenAI) technologies, like ChatGPT, into higher education settings. University students' perceptions of generative AI technologies in higher education were explored, including familiarity, potential benefits, and challenges. A survey of 399 undergraduate and postgraduate students from various disciplines in Hong Kong revealed a generally positive attitude towards GenAI in teaching and learning. Insights from this study can inform policy development around the integration of GenAI technologies into higher education, helping

Hong Kong went through a complete reform in its higher education curriculum, incorporating opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and holistic competency development. Almost eight years have passed since the reform, yet little is known about the current state of students' holistic competency development across different disciplines. Students' self-evaluation of their capacities in holistic competencies can provide us indirect evidence of student development of these competencies for quality assurance. This study does not only aim to explore how undergraduates in Hong Kong self-assessed their holistic competencies, but also to identify whether there were disciplinary differences. To do so, 2192 undergraduate students from six universities in Hong Kong were surveyed using the validated Students' Perception of Holistic Competencies Questionnaire. Analysis of the quantitative data revealed that students generally rated themselves strongest in Moral Values but weakest in Interpersonal and Leadership Competencies. However, no substantial mean difference across the different disciplines was evident in all six holistic competencies investigated. The overall results indicated that undergraduates in Hong Kong generally believe that they have a moderately high level of capability in holistic competencies. Copyright © 2022 Elsevier.

With the general recognition that holistic competencies are beneficial for individuals, employers, and the economy, higher education institutions around the world have emphasized the inclusion of holistic competencies as one of the key learning outcomes. Although educators and researchers have stressed the importance of holistic competencies, less is known from the learners' perspective. The data were obtained from a questionnaire completed by 339 undergraduate students in a local university of Hong Kong, and 6 focus group interviews. Their perceived importance and perceived capacity of holistic competencies were analyzed. The results revealed that most of the perceived importance of holistic competencies are significantly higher than the perceived capacity. Through the follow-up focus group interviews, students discussed their preference regarding how the course content and assessment methods of a separate course for holistic competence development could be designed for the higher education curriculum. Copyright © 2021 Project Innovation, Inc.

As many universities worldwide have incorporated holistic competency development into their course goals, developing assessment literacy in these competencies is placed high on the agenda. Yet, existing literatures on assessment literacy tend to focus on disciplinary knowledge, with little reference to holistic competencies. Based on 29 focus group interviews with 122 students from six universities in Hong Kong, this study first explores the extent to which previous conceptualisations of student assessment literacy also apply to assessing holistic competencies. Findings are subsequently used as a base for discussion towards a new framework of student assessment literacy in holistic competency development which constitutes four dimensions, i.e. knowledge, attitude, action and critique. The renewed framework incorporates features specific to holistic competency assessment, further highlights students' critical engagement with assessment, and understands learners as active agents who exercise discretion in holistic competency assessment. Copyright © 2021 Routledge.

Can residential experiences help undergraduates develop holistic competencies? To answer this question, a study was conducted based on the insights of 211 residents in Hong Kong. Deductive and inductive content analyses were respectively used to examine residence life outcomes, particularly in holistic competencies, and to categorise the types of residential experiences deemed to be effective for these outcomes. Results revealed that participation in hall activities led to the development of residence life outcomes, including justice, humanity, wisdom, courage, transcendence, and wellbeing. Furthermore, planning/organising hall activities greatly improved students' sense of justice while interpersonal dynamics facilitated the improvement of humanity only. The analyses indicated that students without specific engagement in hall activities were also able to develop temperance, particularly in self-regulation. Recommendations are suggested based on the analyses. It is hoped that this study might help inform policy-making processes to provide better residential environment that is beneficial to student holistic development.
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