Quantitative versus Historical Research on Learning Technology

Lok Yeung
Lingnan University
Hong Kong SAR, China

'Hybrid learning' is the combination of face-to-face teaching and e-learning though online course delivery and interaction. It can also be defined as follows:

A hybrid learning model provides students with an approach that combines face-to-face instruction and distance learning. As instructors integrate technology into their face-to-face teaching practices, the best of both types of instruction are combined to enhance the learning experience of the student.

We have seen tremendous 'progress' in the use of computers and the Internet in teaching and learning both inside and outside the classroom over the past ten years -- but what exactly is meant by 'progress'?

From computer-aided learning (CAL) CD-ROMs to simple Web pages, and now the latest Web 2.0, teachers and students are spending more and more of their time in front of computer screens on learning-related activities. We seem to be enjoying all these developments: no wonder Microsoft used the marketing term 'edutainment' at one time for its educational products. Now, the research question is: 'Are we learning more through these information technologies?' Or alternatively, we may ask: 'Are we learning more efficiently and/or effectively?'