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

E-learning is a term for all types of technology -enhanced learning (TEL), where technology is used to support the learning process. E-learning strategies have been introduced into public universities in Malaysia after the establishment of the Multimedia Super Corridor since 1996 . The Malaysian universities that embraces e-learning include Open University Malaysia (OUM), Multimedia University (MMU), and University Tun Abdul Razak (UNITAR).

Pros and Cons from students perspective

One of the advantages of E-learning is its accessibility to all students irrespective of their residence. The learning options are not constrained by students geographic location. Self-paced learning modules allow learners to work at their own pace. So there is no need for student to worry about the transport problem, especially for the students who are living in the rural area.

Besides that, E-learning can lower the cost of extra expenses for traveling, accommodation, food and high fees for tutors. Usually, it is less costs for students than traditional programs. So the students who are facing financial difficulty can afford getting higher education degrees through E-learning.

Another advantage of e-learning is its time flexibility. Learning can be fit into student's busy schedule, especially for the part time student. One can get online resources, communicate with his tutor or class mates, send his query and write term paper at any time he can get access to the Internet.

However, there are still a few disadvantages in e-learning The major disadvantage of E-learning is lack of face to face interaction between the students and the teachers. This contributes the lack of understanding between them. While a teacher cannot easily feel a student’s demands, interests and motivations, a student can simply be lazy being non-motivated enough and having free time schedule for his e-learning.


The other disadvantage is it does not provide many social aspects of a true campus or traditional classroom. E-learning are obviously unique that the students are distanced from their teacher and classmates, and need to communicate electronically rather than face to face. This distance seemed generally to contribute a lack of class community. Thus, the student may feel isolated or miss social interaction from their teacher or classmates.


References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_learning
http://www.eslteachersboard.com/cgi-bin/website/index.pl?read=309