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

E-learning as communication and learning activities involved ICT such as coaching from e-mail, online research, online discussion through computers via networked interactivity. E-learning’s strategies were introduced at University Technology Malaysia (UTM), University Tun Abdul Razak (UNITAR), Multimedia University (MMU) and the Open University of Malaysia (OUM).

Pros of e-learning

Efficiency

Students are able to reduce travel cost and save time to and from school.The digital library has huge amount of information and up-to-dated material.Therefore, they may have the option to select needs of learning materials that meets their level of knowledge and interest.

Effectiveness

Student’s class work can be scheduled around personal and professional work because they can use electronic assessment which they can learn from online quizzes. It shows that the multimedia improves the skill of learning, creates unlimited learning opportunities for student to gain knowledge and improve understanding.

Flexibility

Students can study wherever they have access to a computer and internet. Hence, they are flexible to join discussions in the bulletin board and discussion areas at any hours. They can visit with classmates and instructors remotely in chat rooms. This module allows them to learn at their own pace.

Other Benefits

It enables students to learn ICT, technology or computing skills. As a result, they have benefits of career-enhancement that they can obtain extra knowledge for future career. The computer-based courses build self-knowledge, self-confidence and analytical mind since they are more thoughtful online than traditional classroom.

Cons of e-learning

Technology

Slow or unreliable internet connections can be frustrating because problem of limited bandwidth. It requires new skills to adapt in content producers. It also difficult for faculty to switch e-learning environment by hand when they need to conduct laboratory experiments

Lack of face-to-face contact

Student may feel isolated or miss social interaction because there are no human teacher expression and explanation. The instructor may not always be available that causes lack of immediate feedbacks for them. They felt lonely because they could not observe non-verbal communication from others and therefore found it hard to work in online groups with others.

Personal Issues

It requires more responsibility and self-discipline for students, especially unmotivated or with poor study habits students may fall behind. Sometimes,they hard to find time for studying as lack of familiar structure and routine daily.

Other Limitations

Students have difficulties to ensure academic honesty in an online environment. It creates unlimited learning stresses for students and tutors as there are simply too many online learning materials. It becomes lack of contextual understanding because of non-standardized materials.

Wall-E Learning Laptop

Related link:

http://www.asianjde.org/2006v4.1.Wong.pdf

http://www.about-elearning.com/e-learning-advantages-and-disadvantages.html