Enhancing adult learning via E-Learning: the perspectives of students and teachers in Hong Kong

Abstract

The emergence of the web not only allows for the delivery of online courses, it offers new mechanisms to enhance distance learning programmes and support face-to-face teaching. E-learning becomes the focus of education and training in recent years. This article describes some experience of Hong Kong in offering e-learning programmes. This article provides the reflections of teachers as well as feedback from students collected through questionnaire surveys. It highlights the perceived advantages and disadvantages of e-learning from the student perceptions. It examines what constitute effective online learning and teaching from the perspectives of students and teachers in web-enhanced programmes. The results of some case studies on the implications of effective adult learning in Hong Kong will be discussed. We find that, at least in the context of our case studies, a mixed mode delivery will be more effective. By mixed mode delivery we refers to the addition of face-to-face teaching sessions into a distance education programme or web-based programme. Technology should be used primarily as a tool and communication device to enable better human relationship and enhance interactiveness. The role of teachers and students should also be adjusted in the on-line learning environment and the mixed mode delivery