A discussion on E-learning offered in Malaysian universitites: Pros and cons from the student perspective

The internet is a major technological advancement reshaping not only our society but also that of universities worldwide. In light of this, universities have to capitalise on the internet for teaching,and one progressive developement of this is the use of online delivery methods.

Online education has generated tremendous excitement both inside and outside higher education. For some,it offers the potential to provide learning to new audiences; for others, it offers the opportunity fundamentally to transform learning delivery and the competitive landscape. There as been a surge of student numbers which current university facilities cannot accomodate any more. Some are hoping to leverage the scability of online education to avoid overwhelming their brick-and-mortar capabilities.

The pros for e-learning are as follow:

• Expanding access

For many people in the past, academic programme calendars have not matched work and family responsibilities , and programme offerings may not have met learner needs.Students can expand access to education in order to meet the education and training needs of state residents and companies and to educate under-served populations.

• Capitalizing on emerging market opportunities.

The public's growing acceptance of the value of lifelong learning has fuelled an increased demand for higher education services among people outside the traditional 18-24 age range. Emerging student segment can seeking further education and working adults, maybe more lucrative than traditional markets.

• Active learners

Computers provide an unparalleled capacity to manage and access large amounts of information, and present it in a novel and interesting way. Similarly, computer-based education allows students to become active learners rather than passive recipients of teaching. A number of technologies enables opportunities for activities and interaction in both asynchronous and realtime modes. Students gain substantial advantages such as collaborative tools and their interactioncan can be synchronous, for example, a chat forum or video conferencing, or asynchronous.

• Self- learning

Students assume responsibility for specifying individual learning needs, goals, and outcome,planning and organising the learning task, evaluating its worth and constructing meaning from it. E-learning also include interactive tools such as simulations or self-administered quizzes which allow the student to progress at his or her own space through required exercises and self- assessment. Besides, student also can learn how to use computer to screen design, mapping, information presentation aesthetics and overall functionality.

• Ease to use and updated information
  

E-learning provides rapid,compelling interaction and feedback to students. When students need to complete their assignments, they can use the online resources which provide readily up-to-date information such as online journal and magazines, or international organisations are also provided.

• Create 'elsewhere' learning

Students were encouraged to participate in order to take the participation mark from the instructors. The Internet, however, allows a new level of interactivity as it eliminates the temporal and spatial rigidity of office hours or class meeting times. It will virtualise the walls of the university.

The cons of e-learning:

• Isolated

Students often feel isolated since they did not really interact with instructors. To overcome this feeling, instructors can provide various forms of office hours and methods of contacts for the students. Instructor should exhibit interactive teaching styles, encouraging interaction between students and with the instructor.

• Facing of technical problems

Sometimes, students may face a lot of technical problems. It is crucial that the instructor has a good control of technology and is able to perform basic troubleshooting tasks such as modifying students' password and changing the course setting. Besides, students are having frustration experienced with access and navigation when they can't logged in to the website they want due to the internet problem.

• Inability of instructor to promote internet technology effectively

Some instructors do not able to handle the technology such as encourage the use of technology and organise the lab session at the first intensive seminar to familarise students with the technology.



sources:
www.critical success factor in online education.com
www.google.com