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Writer's pictureBoon Yih Mah

WeCWI to WeCWIIS–Design Meets Innovation!

Updated: Nov 27


"To be an EdNovator, spark your innovation with a creative mind and empower

your teaching with adaptive learning technology."—Boon Yih Mah, Ph.D., P.Tech., MCE


As an Associate Professor at the Academy of Language Studies, UiTM Penang Branch, Malaysia, I hold a PhD in E-learning, an MA in Applied Linguistics, and a BAEd (Hons) in ELS. My credentials include being a Professional Technologist, Microsoft Certified Educator, and various Microsoft Trainer roles. I developed the award-winning Web-based Cognitive Writing Instruction (WeCWI) and founded WeCWI Integrated Solutions. My work has been featured in notable publications such as the Encyclopedia of Successful People in Malaysia and Who’s Who in Science and Engineering. I have received several awards, including the Global Education Leadership Award (2016), the Rector’s Special Award (2017), and the Top Best E-learning Award (2020).


A. EdNovator


In today’s educational landscape, which is characterised by the essential competencies of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and values and ethics (often referred to as the 4C1V), an education innovator or EdNovator is committed to creating a learning environment tailored to the unique needs of each student. This is accomplished by developing instructional tools grounded in effective pedagogy and specifically designed to leverage adaptive learning technology. These tools are seamlessly integrated into lessons to inspire and support learners as they engage in the complex process of building knowledge.


Educators should craft the learning trajectory to stimulate innovation by utilising a tailored instructional platform and integrating pertinent web resources into the curriculum. Based on WeCWI and its science of instruction, technology enhances the instructor's pedagogical capabilities, with pedagogy acting as the technology's compass, bolstered by relevant theoretical rationale.


Personalised learning environments deviate from traditional standardised instructional methods by harnessing adaptive learning technology to tailor the educational journey to individual learners' needs and learning styles. This approach acknowledges the diverse manners in which students assimilate and demonstrate their comprehension of the material. It permits the customisation of learning experiences to align with each student's pace and preferences.


In addition to traditional teaching methods, implementing self-instructional materials, such as interactive modules, online resources, and personalised study guides, has significantly improved academic performance. These resources enable students to take ownership of their learning journey, engage with the study materials self-directedly, and receive timely feedback. As a result, students experience a more enriched and effective learning process, leading to enhanced academic outcomes. To have a classroom makeover as an EdNovator, the mind shifts in 10 areas:

1. Technology: use → integration

2. Accessibility: print → web

3. Mobility: desktop → smartphone

4. Flexibility: LMS → WBI

5. Instructor: supplier → facilitator

6. Learner: absorber → constructor

7. Teaching: group → personalised

8. Learning: passive → active

9. Approach: constructivism → connectivism

10. Task: individual → collaborative


B. Web-based Cognitive Writing Instruction (WeCWI)


In recent years, my dedication to EdNovator has been unwavering. It has been a central part of my teaching approach since the introduction of Web-based Cognitive Writing Instruction (WeCWI) in 2014, which later developed into WeCWI Integrated Solutions in 2016. My recognition through various avenues, such as publications, keynote addresses, speeches, seminars, workshops, and prestigious honours and awards, has been crucial in driving my ongoing pursuit of progress and exploration in the language development field through technology integration.


My research odyssey has transitioned from problem-centric explorations to solution-oriented consultations. This metamorphosis is palpable in the extensive WeCWI-related publications, keynote presentations, speeches, seminars, workshops, accolades, and honours that have graced my academic journey. The genesis of my work can be traced back to publications that delved into the integration of technology in ESL writing classrooms. Early investigations focused on using blogs in ESL writing, showcasing how undergraduate students perceived blogging as more beneficial and user-friendly. This thematic thread carried forward with studies employing the Technology Acceptance Model to elucidate students' acceptance of writing weblogs due to their perceived utility.


Throughout my research, I redirected my focus toward contrasting the efficacy of mobile curriculum vitae (m-CV) with conventional methods among university students. This shift prompted an exploration of the intricacies of L2 writing and the development of instructional tools, such as WeCWI, to enhance students' writing and critical thinking competencies. The publications during this phase underscored the pivotal role of educators and accentuated the necessity for structured guidance in effectively integrating weblogs in ESL classrooms.


Following this shift, my research trajectory focused on improving and refining WeCWI as an instructional design framework. This line of work was showcased through impactful keynote speeches at prestigious international conferences. These notable presentations delved into the in-depth explication of the theoretical and pedagogical foundations of WeCWI at gatherings held in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Vietnam. During these keynote addresses, the focus was on elucidating the integration of language acquisition and composition studies to enhance literacy development effectively.


Furthermore, my presentations provided a platform for disseminating my research findings to a wider audience. I delivered a speech on the challenges of L2 writing at the Annual Asian Conference on Language Learning and the advent of web-based cognitive instruction at the Digital Education Show Asia. These presentations underscored the crucial role of innovative instructional tools and highlighted the transformative potential of WeCWI in empowering educators and enhancing student outcomes.


Throughout my professional engagements, I had the opportunity to deliver keynote addresses and speeches and facilitate numerous seminars and workshops to equip educators and researchers with the practical skills and knowledge needed to implement the research findings I had developed effectively. The workshops, such as "WeCWI Enterprise: Write It Right" and "EdTech Seminar on WeCWI," were meticulously designed to provide hands-on training in instructional design and technology integration in educational settings. These sessions were carefully structured to play a crucial role in encouraging and supporting the widespread adoption of WeCWI within academic institutions.


My academic pursuits have significantly influenced the field of educational technology, particularly within the realm of ESL writing instruction. Through an extensive body of published works, impactful presentations, interactive workshops, and noteworthy accolades, I have effectively demonstrated the value of solution-oriented consultations in enhancing academic performance. My ongoing endeavours play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape for educators and researchers, fostering a collaborative and pioneering approach to addressing the inherent challenges in language learning and pedagogy.


I have garnered numerous esteemed accolades for my pioneering projects throughout my professional tenure. My work with WeCWI notably led to the silver medal award at PIID 2014 and the gold medal at PECIPTA 2015. Furthermore, my "Self-Assessed Online Listening Tests" project received the prestigious gold medal at the International E-Content Development Competition 2021. These accolades testify to the excellence and originality of my research endeavours dedicated to advancing educational technology and instructional design.


My professional endeavours have been distinguished with numerous accolades. I had the honour of receiving the Education Leadership Award at the World Education Congress and obtaining a Tertiary Educator of the Year nomination at the EduTech Asia Awards. These commendations serve as a testament to the influence of my work on educational methodologies and the integration of technology.


B. WeCWI Integrated Solutions (WeCWIIS)


WeCWI Integrated Solutions (WeCWIIS), or 网知写教综合方案, is a solution-driven, web-based consulting enterprise founded on my self-developed framework, WeCWI. The official website for WeCWIIS was launched on January 1, 2020. On July 28, 2023, WeCWIIS was registered as a sole proprietorship with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) following copyright registration and startup recognition by the Business Innovation and Technology Commercialization Centre (BITCOM) at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).


This initiative embodies the principles of "researchpreneurship", effectively blending WeCWI with entrepreneurial practices. It aims to commercialise my research outcomes, with myself serving as the founder and CEO of WeCWIIS. As a UiTM startup, WeCWIIS showcases technopreneurship by integrating WeCWI with business entrepreneurship to drive commercialization.


WeCWIIS offers various services, including consulting, news advertising, guest post publishing, and open-access resources. Our consulting services encompass web subscriptions, training, courses, editing, translation, proofreading, WeCWI certifications, consultations, and collaborations. The training programs focus on language skills, postgraduate studies, and instructional design.


To Sum Up...


I am at a critical point in my research journey, filled with deep gratitude and optimism for the future. The unwavering dedication to EdNovator and the groundbreaking work with WeCWI have highlighted a more comprehensive and innovative approach to language development through technology. Every accolade, publication, and keynote address has demonstrated our progress and mapped out a clear path for our future endeavours.


My overarching goal has always been to empower educators and ignite student inspiration. I believe our combined endeavours will continue pushing the boundaries of achievement. We will embrace innovation and foster collaboration to revolutionise the educational landscape. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to this journey, underpinned by the conviction that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth, and every success serves as a milestone toward a more enlightened future for language learning and teaching.


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