Moodie Pod: A Revolution in Developing Students’ Communication Skills
The applications for this software tool include job interviews, competition presentations, startup pitches, external presentations and even to achieve broader social progress
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In a groundbreaking initiative, City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) has introduced the Moodie Pod, a cutting-edge communication analysis space that promises to revolutionise how students develop professional communication skills. This unique installation represents more than just technological innovation; it is a strategic approach to preparing the next generation of global leaders.
Designed by Moodie.AI in collaboration with world-class creative firm MAI Atelier, the Moodie Pod is the first of its kind in Asia. It offers students an unprecedented opportunity to analyse and improve their communication skills through advanced AI technology. As Dr Wesley CURTIS, Head of the Chan Feng Men-ling Chan Shuk-lin Language Centre (LC), explains, “Moodie.AI is not intended to replace human interaction but to augment it, providing near-ubiquitous support for students.”
Where Technology Meets Education
Developed with the support of the HK Tech 300 Angel Fund, and featured in media like The Big Spark, the Pod takes a comprehensive approach to communication skills development. Curtis shares that the collaborative journey began in January 2022, when the project was first demonstrated to Language Centre leadership. Initially focused on analysing gestures and facial expressions, the software has evolved significantly. By August 2023, it incorporated real-time speech transcription and detailed feedback mechanisms, transforming it into a comprehensive communication development tool.
The Moodie Pod addresses a critical need in professional development. “Feedback from industry indicates that students increasingly need oral communication skills—not just the ability to speak, but to deliver with what Roland LEUNG, the CEO of Datality Lab [the maker of Moodie.AI] calls ‘executive presence’,” Curtis says. The Pod seeks to facilitate this transformation from competent speaker to compelling communicator.
Versatile Learning Opportunities
The technology goes beyond simple speech analysis. It provides personalised feedback for scenarios that may be impractical in traditional classroom settings. Students can prepare for job interviews, competition presentations, startup pitches and external presentations using the Pod. The versatility of the Moodie.AI software is that it allows access to support not just within the physical pod, but also through smartphones, tablets and computers – creating what Dr Curtis calls “near-ubiquitous support”.
The Pod's physical design is a marvel of innovation. Shaped like the top of a key, it symbolically represents “unlocking personalised learning opportunities that enhance students’ professional communication prowess”. This design recently won a bronze award in the International Design Awards competition for interior spaces, underscoring its innovative approach.
Importantly, the Pod aligns closely with CityUHK’s broader educational mission. The university aims to develop “globally competent communicators” who can contribute meaningfully to Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. The Moodie Pod is a tangible manifestation of this goal, offering students a tool to develop leadership skills that extend beyond academic achievement alone.
The technology’s impact also extends beyond individual student development; it represents a strategic approach to societal advancement by facilitating mastery of good communication skills. “In equipping leaders, they can contribute to the development of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area,” Curtis emphasises.
This vision positions the Moodie Pod as more than an educational tool – it is a mechanism for broader social progress, with promising opportunities for community engagement, such as the likes of FutureGen Girls, a non-profit organisation based in Hong Kong that seeks to empower girls and young women to reach their full potential.
“The university is very eager to contribute to the development of Hong Kong SAR and the Greater Bay Area, which means reaching beyond the borders of the campus,” Curtis explains.
While the Pod is primarily designed for CityUHK students, the team is exploring ways to make its resources available to external stakeholders. “We recently held a demonstration for the leader of FutureGen Girls and discussed the possibility of making this physical space available, either the software or the Pod itself, for their use,” he noted.
This approach aligns with the broader mission of developing future leaders and providing innovative communication skills training to young women, potentially empowering the next generation of female professionals through advanced communication technology.
Moodie.AI has already demonstrated its community potential. It has been utilised in significant initiatives, including a civic education competition involving 800 primary and secondary students. The technology has also attracted interest from various delegations, including educational groups from mainland China and local secondary schools. Future developments promise even more exciting possibilities, as the Moodie.AI team explores group communication analysis and expanding language capabilities. Currently supporting the development of English communication skills, the software could potentially offer extra-curricular support for the Language Centre’s eight existing language programmes.
Commitment to Human-centred Technology
Indeed, what sets the Moodie Pod apart is its commitment to human-centred technology. “You could carry on an hours-long conversation with an AI-equipped robot,” Curtis notes. “But would you want to? With communication, there’s something intrinsic about desiring to exchange ideas with a sentient being that has thoughts and feelings.”
The Pod includes a unique resource library featuring curated speech examples and expert communication videos. Future iterations may allow administrators to customise content for specific courses, making the technology even more adaptable to educational needs. Beyond its technological capabilities, the Pod represents a philosophical approach to education. CityUHK has shifted from a teaching-centred to a learning-centred model, with the Moodie Pod embodying this transformation.
A Vision for Future Leadership
The Pod’s potential for executive development is equally promising, serving as a tool for bespoke training programmes not just for students, but for business professionals, officials and anyone with a public-facing role. This broader vision extends the Pod’s impact beyond university walls.
As technology continues to reshape professional landscapes, tools like the Moodie Pod will become increasingly crucial. They represent a forward-thinking approach to education – one that recognises communication as a critical skill for personal and professional success. For students at CityUHK, the Pod is more than a technological marvel; it is a key to unlocking their full potential, helping them develop the communication skills that will define their future leadership roles.