E - Learning Plan Gets Positive Feedback From Academicians

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) - The Higher Education Ministry's plan to optimise e-learning in institutions of higher learning by 2015 has received positive feedback from academicians.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Law Faculty lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Nazura Abdul Manap said the move will add value to the national education system.

"I strongly agree with this but e-learning is not meant to replace the face-to-face method," he said when contacted by Bernama Sunday.

Dr Nazura said the e-learning system is aimed at making learning easier and more efficient as it involves long distance learning.

"E-learning can help educators who are restricted by geographical location as students can still communicate with lecturers via the system."

Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya (UM) Engineering Faculty lecturer Dr Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman said e-learning could complement the education system.

"Online learning means more extensive sharing of information to allow more direct interaction with students.

"Students who are shy to ask in class can communicate online as it is more convenient and saves time," he said.

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) College of Arts and Sciences senior lecturer Dr Norhafezah Yusof said implementation of e-learning should consider the infrastructure for system maintenance.

"We need to look at the system's design especially the technical aspect so that it does not affect learning," she added.

Higher Education Minister Mohamad Khaled Nordin yesterday urged all
institutions of higher learning to optimise e-learning by 2015.