Towards a better blended learning: Experiences of adult learners in Hong Kong

Abstract

The rapid development of information and communication technology brings along many impacts to education and training. Though delivery of courses solely based on e-learning on its own is not totally satisfactory to students and course providers, distance learning and face-to-face courses benefit from the use of e-learning as a support in the teaching and learning process. Surveys of Hong Kong part-time students clearly indicated that they preferred a blended learning mode that retains some form of face-to-face teaching and utilizes e-learning at the same time. However, effective blended learning is not simply using technology as an additional communication means or organizing extra learning activities. Web-based technology should be used as communication and collaborative tools. Pedagogy has to be adjusted to incorporate e-learning as an integral part of the teaching and learning process. Through the proper design of course, better integration of assessment, learning activities and use of technology for facilitating interactions via online community, meaningful blended learning experience can be resulted. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.