ABSTRACT
This chapter explores an Asian perspective on the divide between the communities of Instructional design and technology (IDT) and learning sciences (LS). It identifies the specific areas in the development and implementation of information and communication technology (ICT) in education in an Asian context that characterize the differences in the orientation, thinking, and approach between the fields of IDT and LS. The chapter focuses on a study of two Asian countries/regions, Singapore and Hong Kong. They share similar developmental stages since the launch of their first ICT master plan for education and ICT in education strategy in 1997 and 1998 respectively. The chapter focuses on four aspects: policy-driven development, the focus of learning, understanding ICT in education, and research and practice. The focus of learning is clearly demonstrated in ICT in education polices in Singapore and Hong Kong. Singapore and Hong Kong showcase how Asian cultures and values were transformed by colonization and modernization.
