Hybrid learning and education

The Second International Conference on Hybrid Learning was organized by the School of Continuing and Professional Studies of The Chinese University of Hong Kong and University of Macau in August 2009. ICHL 2009 was an inventive experience for the Hong Kong and Macau tertiary higher education. The conference aims to provide a good platform for knowledge exchange on hybrid learning by focusing on student centered education. The technique is to supplement traditional classroom learning with eLearning. The slogan is “Education leads eLearning,” not vice versa. The me- odology is that at least 30% of learning activities are done by eLearning. The outcome is for students to learn at any time at any place. eLearning can increase students’ lea- ing productivity and reduce teachers’ administration workload alike. It is a new culture for students, teachers and school administrators to adopt in the twenty-first century. The conference obtained sponsorship from Pei Hua Education Foundation Limited, City University of Hong Kong, ACM Hong Kong Section, and Hong Kong Computer Society. Hybrid learning originated from North America in 2000, and is an ongoing trend. It is not merely a simple combination of direct teaching and eLearning. It encompasses different learning strategies and important elements for teaching and learning. It - phasizes outcome-based teaching and learning, and provides an environment for knowledge learning. Students are given more opportunities to be active learners and practice practical skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, cr- tivity, self-management, self-study, problem solving, analysis and numeracy.