Dr. Sing Kai LO, Professor

The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China

Biography

Dr. Sing Kai LO is currently a Professor at The Education University of Hong Kong. After graduating with a PhD from the University of California at Berkeley, Prof. Lo started his career as an Assistant Professor at Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA. He then moved on to the University of Sydney in Australia and was Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Health at Deakin University in Melbourne before joining the Education University of Hong Kong. He has published over 250 journal articles. His Scopus Citation is 11,531 and Scopus H-Index is 57. Besides, he has won numerous teaching awards. Prof. Lo also has a strong background in capacity building and is particularly experienced in providing mentorship to early and mid-career researchers.

Topic

Teachers as Catalysts: Improving School-Family-Community Collaboration for Autism Support

Abstract

The rise in global autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses has intensified the integration of students with ASD in mainstream education, highlighting the necessity for effective School-Family-Community Partnerships (FSCP). This study aims to explore the roles of teachers within FSCP frameworks, identify barriers to effective collaboration, and assess the impact of these collaborations on students with ASD. Utilizing a survey design, data was collected via a structured questionnaire distributed to 253 teachers from diverse urban settings in China, spanning 2021 to 2024. The analysis, conducted through IBM-SPSS and Winsteps 3, revealed that teachers engage most effectively in communication with FSCP, yet face challenges in community collaboration. Key findings indicate that higher educational qualifications and extensive training correlate with improved FSCP collaboration abilities. However, disparities exist based on residential area and age, influencing teachers' engagement levels. The research underscores the critical role of comprehensive teacher training and equitable resource distribution in enhancing FSCP efficacy. These findings offer actionable insights for educators and policymakers aiming to optimize support strategies for students with ASD, advocating for targeted professional development and systemic policy reforms to foster inclusive educational environments.

Dr. Kevin Visconti

School of Professional Studies, Columbia University, New York City, United States

Biography

Dr. Kevin Visconti is a senior lecturer and associate director of curriculum and strategic communication at the School of Professional Studies of Columbia University. Dr. Visconti earned his Ph.D. at the University of Miami, his M.A. at Georgetown University, and his B.S. at New York University. Dr. Kevin Visconti is the 2018 winner of the Dean’s Excellence Award for Faculty in the School of Professional Studies at Columbia University. His research concentration looks at strategic marketing and communication initiatives around sustainable agricultural practices in international wine markets. With passion and distinct energy for teaching, Dr. Visconti’s other academic and scholarly pursuits center on designing curricula in traditional, online, and hybrid formats for undergraduate and graduate content. He has been recognized with outstanding faculty awards, research grants, and top conference papers.

Topic

Human Ideation: Communicating Ideas into Innovation in a World of AI

Abstract

Human ideation forms the bedrock of our existence, shaping all aspects of life, technology, and the evolution of the human species. It drives our progress and serves as the foundation of innovation, influencing the world as we know it. The true magic of invention lies in how we communicate these human ideas, transforming them into impactful realities. This speech focuses on time-tested techniques for generating ideas and uncovering implicit knowledge, empowering participants to transform insights and communicate ideas into actionable innovation. After presenting frameworks for human ideation and offering practical examples of how global organizations apply these models, this talk explores the questions: What does human ideation look like in a world of AI? What is the partnership between humans and AI?