A discussion on E-learning offered in Malaysian universities: Pros and Cons from the students perspective


Electronic learning (e-learning) has become a mandatory study tool for every higher education centre. E-learning is defined by Derek Stockley (2003) as the delivery of a learning, training or education program by electronic means. E-learning involves the use of a computer or electronic device (e.g. a mobile phone) in some way to provide training, educational or learning material. Normally, e-learning can found in the university intranet but only certain group of people (students and staffs) can gain access to it with provided passwords.


From the favourable perspective, e-learning does give students flexibility, accessibility and convenience. Student can assess their learning material any time they want at their convenience. For example, student who do not have class on the particular day do not purposely come to university to collect notes. They can download the material from e-learning and self-study at home. Besides, this move indirectly enhances environmental friendly among student. This is because student can read in soft copy and eliminate the use of paper.


Another advantage would be it provides the most up to date information between students and lecturers. Lecturer can easily make any announcement any time via this online function to the student without face to face. With that, student will get the latest information and changes without waiting until the day they met their lecturers during lecture classes.


Nevertheless, the cons are still meant to exist. The adoption of e-learning by most high education centre has proved that it is indeed a useful tool. However, the connectivity problem and web page problem always cause hassle to the users. As a student who is currently using e-learning system, I have experienced this for countless time. There has been a situation which causes our class unable to progress where it is solely depends on e-learning for the learning process.


Besides, the unattractive and uncreative e-learning system design in Malaysia higher institution tends to makes student get bored with it. Hence, they are reluctant and tend to be uninterested to browse through the e-learning site which they are suppose to do so. Moreover, only certain information can be posted in the e-learning since face-to-face is still the best way to inform and clarify an important issue.


In conclusion, e-learning system has its own pros and cons. To make it as a successful system, each party that involve needs to play their part respectively. Therefore, to justify whether it is an important system it is all depends on the user.

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5 comments:

cynthia said...

This topic brings me know more about e-learning.
Thanks!!!

Anonymous said...

e-learning??? better not in m'sia. i would rather search in wiki. non of the malaysian's website look good. maybe they haf no talent o no money.

Anonymous said...

My teacher always teach me with computer and LCD projector. It is so interactive that make me understand very fast especially physic. But too bad, students will soon learn in bahasa. There is not much materials in bahasa. So sad!

Anonymous said...

E-learning is an important tool in modern education and is the way forward. Currently E-learning in Malaysia is in its infancy. Substantial investment is required to improve it. To implement it nationally cheap broadband internet access has to be made available to all household. The initiative and the resources should come from the government.

Anonymous said...

E-learning can be very inconvenient if our country unable to provide good & uninterrupted internet connectivity. Imagine if you have a assignment due and the internet service is down.

from Shern.

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