E-learning Implementation in Malaysia: Are we ready?

E-Learning, a mode of learning conducted via electronic media where students from all walks of life are now conformed to use due to the pandemic, but, is this something new for Malaysia?

If we were to get technical the answer would probably be, no. Those from Generation Z to Generation Alpha have probably encountered E-learning since childbirth. A simple example can be seen via educational children’s shows or interactive video games. All of which have the elements that comprises E-Learning simply because they are conducted electronically. If we look at schools, online teaching has already been implemented by the education department via platforms such as Frog VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) as early as 2012. Back then the goal was to produce tech savvy students despite their economic backgrounds so that they can adapt to tertiary education which, more often than not, have some component of E-Leaning.

Even in the workforce, many established companies managed to use Learning Management Systems to increase the skill sets and knowledge of their employees which greatly benefits the company and ensures growth. Aside from formal education, Malaysians have been diving into learning new hobbies or skills on platforms such as Google or Youtube long before the multitude of E-Learning platforms such as Udemy or Skillshare emerged.

If E-Learning has become a common thing among many Malaysians why isn’t it as popular or as established in formal education here as in some countries such as Germany whom are years beyond in digitalizing their education system?

The most obvious answer would be the need for physical interaction that humans are born with. However, aside from the benefits that traditional education can provide, the answer may lie in the usage rate of Frog-VLE or even in the recent news of Veveonah Mosibin. It is not that Malaysia does not have the resources or expertise to conduct E-Learning, but, as a matter of fact, Malaysia is incredibly tech savvy and remarkably successful in the digital learning department. Malaysia simply cannot fulfil the criteria of having the necessary facilities for E-Learning. The main facilities required by E-Learning are technological devices and network connections, both of which come hand in hand. For example, while a number of Malaysians can afford a basic laptop, they may not have a proper or any internet connection in their area of residence. Furthermore, even if every single corner of Malaysia has a strong internet connection, those who cannot afford to purchase a laptop or other types of devices for learning will be left behind and this inhibits their rights to education.

Thus, in conclusion we can say that Malaysia is ready for E-Learning in terms of the resources that should be provided, but, if we cannot find a solution to provide the facilities to each and every student, we may not be able to achieve a 100% success rate in E-Learning.