WHAT IS E-LEARNING? *IMPORTANT FOR STUDENTS*

The exponential growth of information has made it imperative for learning to

happen quickly. Meeting this challenge requires new thinking about how we

acquire knowledge and skills as well as how we develop learning resources that

can keep up with the knowledge economy. The advent of ICT and the Internet

has greatly influenced the way knowledge is transmitted. This has resulted in the

development of e-learning.

DEFINE E-LEARNING

1· “E-Learning refers to the use of Internet technologies to deliver a

broad array of solutions that enhance knowledge and

performance” - J. Rosenberg

2· “E-Learning is the use of network technology to design, deliver,

select, administer, and extend LEARNING” – Elliot Masie, The

Masie Center

Typically, the content for e-learning is in the electronic form and is stored either in

CD ROM’s or on servers. Learners access these contents directly from standalone

computers or from the servers through the networked computers. The

contents are typically developed to be engaging and interactive and the learners

are supported “virtually” by the instructors.

E-LEARNING ---> MALAYSIA

In Malaysia, e-learning is introduced to students undergoing open and distance

learning (ODL) programmes. Distance learning is not a recent phenomenon to

Malaysians. Many individuals, especially those who are still working and aspire to

be successful in their career development have enrolled for external degrees

offered by reputed universities in the 1960’s or earlier. University of London,

U.K. is one of the institutions that was popular in awarding external degrees in

those days. Many professional bodies, such as the City and Guild in U.K. also

offered various certificates and diplomas in different fields through correspondence programmes. The advent of Internet in the early 1980’s had

resulted in a gradual introduction of e-learning to ODL students in Malaysia.

BENEFITS OF E-LEARNING

There are many benefits that can be derived from e-learning. Some of these are

as listed below:

1- Flexibility, Accessibility, Convenience

Learners can access the materials in their own time and study at their own

pace and place.

2- Cross platform

Learners can access the content through window-based, Mac-based or

UNIX-based computers.

3- Low delivery costs

Once e-content has been developed and uploaded on the server, it is

relatively inexpensive to distribute domestically and worldwide.

4- Ease of update

It enables the content to be easily and regularly updated and instantly

available to all learners.

5- Collaborative learning

E-learning promotes collaborative learning thus resulting in a more

engaging and richer learning experiences.

6- Scalability

Content can be delivered to a small or large number of learners with little

effort.

CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING E-LEARNING

1- Awareness

Generally there is still a lack of awareness amongst the population,

especially parents, of the effectiveness of e-learning. Many parents feel

the traditional learning mode is better.

2- Computer Literacy And Digital Divide

In Malaysia, there is a large segment of the population that is computer

illiterate. This is especially true in the rural areas. This hinders the

introduction and implementation of e-learning.

3- Difficulty in Engaging Learners Online

Engaging learners actively is one of the key factors in determining the

success of an e-learning program. Online learning requires a very high

degree of self-motivation which is found to be lacking among our learners.

Learners find it difficult to migrate from the traditional learning mode to the

new e-learning mode.

4- Language Barrier

The extensive use of English in e-learning contents is also one of the

factors that has hindered the success of e-learning, especially in non-

English speaking countries like Malaysia. Many, who like to enrol in elearning

programs, are deterred from doing so as they are not confident

with the contents in English.

*What I can conclude here is ---> E-learning is still learning!! I believe that the learners and instructors in

Malaysia today have accepted it as one of the practical delivery modes. In view

of this, I am confident that e-learning is here to stay and will play an important

role in democratizing education and contributing towards generating knowledge

workers. However, in order to realize the full potentials of e-learning, the

government needs to play a more active role in promoting and supporting elearning

initiatives. Agree with me or not? For sure, you all agree right?

Lets together we support E-Learning process in our learning environment.

"Tell me, and I'll forget. Show me, and I may remember. Involve me, and I'll understand"

-Chinese Proverb-

Happy Reading !