In today’s world, the Internet technology has become an integral part in our daily lives. Youngsters today particularly, use Internet almost every day to manage their tasks. These tasks include communicating with friends, searching for information, watching videos, reading and etc. Because of this, the concept of e-Learning has become a popular idea towards the students.
Exactly what is e-Learning? E-Learning can be defined in several ways. E-Learning is the use of technology in delivering the learning process anywhere and anytime. In clear introduction, e-Learning is typically in electronic forms stored in portable medias such as CDs, DVDs, or servers that can be accessed by students without any fuss. The contents of the materials are developed to be interactively interesting for the students to boost their interests and effortless learning. Along the way, the students would be “virtually” supported by the instructors of the particular content.
To develop a good and engaging e-Learning system, the concept of human-computer interaction (HCI) should be taken consideration. HCI is the study of interaction between people (users) and computers. Interaction between users and computers occurs at the user interface (or simply interface), which includes both software and hardware; for example, characters or objects displayed by software on a personal computer's monitor, input received from users via hardware peripherals such as keyboards and mice [1].
Currently in Malaysia, the concept of e-Learning has been vastly adopted by universities, colleges and big business companies to compliment a better and convenient learning environment for the students and employees.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Benefits of E-Learning
Flexibility, Accessibility, Convenience
Learners can access the materials in their own time and study at their own pace and place [2]. With the Internet technology being widely used in homes and outdoors today, learners can easily access the learning materials even in the comfort of their own house or during outdoor activities. Since they can acquire the materials anytime and anywhere, they can easily plan to study whenever they feel comfortable without having to worry about the limited time they usually have in the school.
Cross Platform
Learners can access the content through window-based, Mac-based or UNIX-based computers [2]. As each individual has different preference towards their computer’s operating system, it is fairly helpful that the e-Learning is able to support all of them. With the e-Learning being supported in multiple platforms, learners can enjoy the contents without any interference or errors being shown when trying to access using different platforms.
Low Delivery Costs
Once e-content has been developed and uploaded on the server, it is relatively inexpensive to distribute domestically and worldwide [2]. As the contents are developed in electronic form and being stored in the server, any user can access the server and download the content. Since the Internet is available worldwide, users can get to download them anywhere and anytime. This can cut down the cost of delivering the contents by replacing the papers with electronic documents.
Ease of Update
It enables the content to be easily and regularly updated and instantly available to all learners [2]. Since the contents are in electronic form, it is very easy and simple to update and modify the contents without having to recreate the whole content like papers do. After saving the modified contents, it can then be uploaded to the server again for the learners to acquire.
Collaborative Learning
E-learning promotes collaborative learning thus resulting in more engaging and richer learning experiences [2]. E-learning combines different type of learning process that learners usually do not receive in the traditional method of learning. This could lead the learners to learn something in a new way which is engaging and at the same time enhance their learning experiences.
Scalability
Content can be delivered to a small or large number of learners with little effort [2]. Internet enables the content to reach or target the learners in a big or small group.
2.2 Human Computer Interaction and E-Learning
To create a successful E-Learning system, the human computer interaction (HCI) factor must be put into consideration. As mentioned earlier, HCI is the study of interaction between people (users) and computers. Human’s interaction with the computer should be highly interactive and easy to manipulate in order for the e-learning to be a fun and interesting tool to learn.
When examining the possible non-success of e-learning, one important factor worth exploring is the design of systems (or the adaptation) to support learning [3]. The interface design of the particular e-learning system is crucial in order to provide good and engaging learning processes for the learners.
HCI includes direct work on user interfaces that support learning. In addition, most user interfaces will be used in work settings where informal learning of work practices and work tasks are crucial. Thus, support for learning seems to be essential in much HCI work [3]. A good e-learning system would provide users with the functions they require to complete their tasks. It should be made to cater all the needs of the learners which the traditional mode of teaching could not provide.
Flexibility, Accessibility, Convenience
Learners can access the materials in their own time and study at their own pace and place [2]. With the Internet technology being widely used in homes and outdoors today, learners can easily access the learning materials even in the comfort of their own house or during outdoor activities. Since they can acquire the materials anytime and anywhere, they can easily plan to study whenever they feel comfortable without having to worry about the limited time they usually have in the school.
Cross Platform
Learners can access the content through window-based, Mac-based or UNIX-based computers [2]. As each individual has different preference towards their computer’s operating system, it is fairly helpful that the e-Learning is able to support all of them. With the e-Learning being supported in multiple platforms, learners can enjoy the contents without any interference or errors being shown when trying to access using different platforms.
Low Delivery Costs
Once e-content has been developed and uploaded on the server, it is relatively inexpensive to distribute domestically and worldwide [2]. As the contents are developed in electronic form and being stored in the server, any user can access the server and download the content. Since the Internet is available worldwide, users can get to download them anywhere and anytime. This can cut down the cost of delivering the contents by replacing the papers with electronic documents.
Ease of Update
It enables the content to be easily and regularly updated and instantly available to all learners [2]. Since the contents are in electronic form, it is very easy and simple to update and modify the contents without having to recreate the whole content like papers do. After saving the modified contents, it can then be uploaded to the server again for the learners to acquire.
Collaborative Learning
E-learning promotes collaborative learning thus resulting in more engaging and richer learning experiences [2]. E-learning combines different type of learning process that learners usually do not receive in the traditional method of learning. This could lead the learners to learn something in a new way which is engaging and at the same time enhance their learning experiences.
Scalability
Content can be delivered to a small or large number of learners with little effort [2]. Internet enables the content to reach or target the learners in a big or small group.
2.2 Human Computer Interaction and E-Learning
To create a successful E-Learning system, the human computer interaction (HCI) factor must be put into consideration. As mentioned earlier, HCI is the study of interaction between people (users) and computers. Human’s interaction with the computer should be highly interactive and easy to manipulate in order for the e-learning to be a fun and interesting tool to learn.
When examining the possible non-success of e-learning, one important factor worth exploring is the design of systems (or the adaptation) to support learning [3]. The interface design of the particular e-learning system is crucial in order to provide good and engaging learning processes for the learners.
HCI includes direct work on user interfaces that support learning. In addition, most user interfaces will be used in work settings where informal learning of work practices and work tasks are crucial. Thus, support for learning seems to be essential in much HCI work [3]. A good e-learning system would provide users with the functions they require to complete their tasks. It should be made to cater all the needs of the learners which the traditional mode of teaching could not provide.
3.0 Issues in E-Learning
Awareness
Generally there is still a lack of awareness amongst the population, especially parents, of the effectiveness of e-learning. Many parents feel the traditional learning mode is better [2]. The parents in Malaysia still believe that traditional method of going to class all the time could be much better in enhancing their children’s knowledge. However, they do not realize that some people could learn much better when given a great freedom for them in pursuing their method of study. For example, some students would prefer e-learning compared to traditional mode of learning as e-learning provides them the space and time to study for themselves.
Low Adoption Rate
Most institutions are keen to embrace e-learning. Nevertheless, issues like lack of e-content, inadequate infrastructure coupled with the problem of digital divide, has resulted in relatively low adoption rate [2]. Many students these days know and would love to embrace e-learning in their studies. However, the lack of knowledge coupled with the inadequate infrastructure within the schools and institutions have made it difficult for them to set up e-learning system for their students. Therefore, the adoption rate of this e-learning concept has been little in this country.
Bandwidth Issue and Connectivity
Engaging content requires a rich combination of multimedia components. However, due to bandwidth and connectivity limitations, downloading of engaging content to the learners will be slow. This creates frustration and boredom among learners and affects the ease of learning [2]. As we all know, the broadband connectivity speed in Malaysia still lags behind those developed countries such as Singapore, England, United States, and etc. This is one of the reasons why e-learning system still can’t be fully accomplished in the region of Malaysia as the speed of surfing and downloading from the Internet is still considered slow.
Computer Literacy and Digital Divide
In Malaysia, there is a large segment of the population that is computer illiterate. This is especially true in the rural areas. This hinders the introduction and implementation of e-learning [2]. Many schools and institutions in the rural areas around Malaysia are not equipped with Internet technology and good infrastructure for their students. This of course causes the implementation of e-learning program not to be accomplished as they do not have the sources and knowledge in running the program.
Lack of Quality E-Content
Currently, there is a dearth of high quality e-learning content in Malaysia. This is due to the lack of expertise as well as huge financial resources required to develop the content. As a result, most of the e-learning content has low interactivity and moderate impact on learners [2]. The e-learning contents in Malaysia are still under-developed due to the fact that this program is still not as advanced as compared to other countries. The people responsible to handle the e-learning program in their respective institutions are not well trained to manage the e-learning program. Besides than that, most institutions could not afford to develop a great e-content as it requires lots of financial resources as well as manpower who are experts in this field.
Language Barrier
The extensive use of English in e-learning contents is also one of the factors that have hindered the success of e-learning, especially in non-English speaking countries like Malaysia. Many, who like to enroll in e-learning programs, are deterred from doing so as they are not confident with the contents in English [2]. In Malaysia, there are lacks of schools who teach the students using English as the main language. Since young, most students are accustomed to the language being used in their own respective schools such as Malay and Chinese language. To make a transition to the English language, it would be difficult for these students to adapt as they are not well trained in English. This could cause a major hindrance towards the implementation of e-learning program in schools.
Generally there is still a lack of awareness amongst the population, especially parents, of the effectiveness of e-learning. Many parents feel the traditional learning mode is better [2]. The parents in Malaysia still believe that traditional method of going to class all the time could be much better in enhancing their children’s knowledge. However, they do not realize that some people could learn much better when given a great freedom for them in pursuing their method of study. For example, some students would prefer e-learning compared to traditional mode of learning as e-learning provides them the space and time to study for themselves.
Low Adoption Rate
Most institutions are keen to embrace e-learning. Nevertheless, issues like lack of e-content, inadequate infrastructure coupled with the problem of digital divide, has resulted in relatively low adoption rate [2]. Many students these days know and would love to embrace e-learning in their studies. However, the lack of knowledge coupled with the inadequate infrastructure within the schools and institutions have made it difficult for them to set up e-learning system for their students. Therefore, the adoption rate of this e-learning concept has been little in this country.
Bandwidth Issue and Connectivity
Engaging content requires a rich combination of multimedia components. However, due to bandwidth and connectivity limitations, downloading of engaging content to the learners will be slow. This creates frustration and boredom among learners and affects the ease of learning [2]. As we all know, the broadband connectivity speed in Malaysia still lags behind those developed countries such as Singapore, England, United States, and etc. This is one of the reasons why e-learning system still can’t be fully accomplished in the region of Malaysia as the speed of surfing and downloading from the Internet is still considered slow.
Computer Literacy and Digital Divide
In Malaysia, there is a large segment of the population that is computer illiterate. This is especially true in the rural areas. This hinders the introduction and implementation of e-learning [2]. Many schools and institutions in the rural areas around Malaysia are not equipped with Internet technology and good infrastructure for their students. This of course causes the implementation of e-learning program not to be accomplished as they do not have the sources and knowledge in running the program.
Lack of Quality E-Content
Currently, there is a dearth of high quality e-learning content in Malaysia. This is due to the lack of expertise as well as huge financial resources required to develop the content. As a result, most of the e-learning content has low interactivity and moderate impact on learners [2]. The e-learning contents in Malaysia are still under-developed due to the fact that this program is still not as advanced as compared to other countries. The people responsible to handle the e-learning program in their respective institutions are not well trained to manage the e-learning program. Besides than that, most institutions could not afford to develop a great e-content as it requires lots of financial resources as well as manpower who are experts in this field.
Language Barrier
The extensive use of English in e-learning contents is also one of the factors that have hindered the success of e-learning, especially in non-English speaking countries like Malaysia. Many, who like to enroll in e-learning programs, are deterred from doing so as they are not confident with the contents in English [2]. In Malaysia, there are lacks of schools who teach the students using English as the main language. Since young, most students are accustomed to the language being used in their own respective schools such as Malay and Chinese language. To make a transition to the English language, it would be difficult for these students to adapt as they are not well trained in English. This could cause a major hindrance towards the implementation of e-learning program in schools.
4.0 Website Analysis
4.1 University College Sedaya Internation (UCSI) website
Currently in UCSI, there is an e-learning system called as e-Advantage. This is where the students in UCSI get to access their reading materials such as notes, assignment questions, announcements, and etc. This website also provides students with forum, timetable for their subjects, e-library, e-counselor, and etc.
To start off, the e-Advantage of UCSI indeed provides students with the flexibility, accessibility and convenience for downloading the contents. However, the contents are usually not being updated often and the speed of uploading can be concluded as disappointing. This has often been the cause of frustration among the students in UCSI as they require the notes posted in the e-Advantage for their reference in class.
Other than that, the contents posted are usually plain and simple. It is not developed to be engaging for the students partly due to the fact that the lecturers are simply being overworked in their daily tasks. This could discourage the students in learning as all they are seeing and reading are just words.
Furthermore, the website sometimes is not operational without any notice. The students may find it frustrating whenever they want to carry out their course selection via the e-Advantage. In addition, the website is not supportable for every web browser. For example, students who prefer to use Mozilla Firefox would find it not compatible when browsing through the website.
For students who are using a slow Internet connection, downloading the contents can be an irritation. As the speed of Internet in Malaysia is slow, it is hard to finish the download of the contents as the connection usually disconnects itself due to the problem of the internet service provider.
Currently in UCSI, there is an e-learning system called as e-Advantage. This is where the students in UCSI get to access their reading materials such as notes, assignment questions, announcements, and etc. This website also provides students with forum, timetable for their subjects, e-library, e-counselor, and etc.
To start off, the e-Advantage of UCSI indeed provides students with the flexibility, accessibility and convenience for downloading the contents. However, the contents are usually not being updated often and the speed of uploading can be concluded as disappointing. This has often been the cause of frustration among the students in UCSI as they require the notes posted in the e-Advantage for their reference in class.
Other than that, the contents posted are usually plain and simple. It is not developed to be engaging for the students partly due to the fact that the lecturers are simply being overworked in their daily tasks. This could discourage the students in learning as all they are seeing and reading are just words.
Furthermore, the website sometimes is not operational without any notice. The students may find it frustrating whenever they want to carry out their course selection via the e-Advantage. In addition, the website is not supportable for every web browser. For example, students who prefer to use Mozilla Firefox would find it not compatible when browsing through the website.
For students who are using a slow Internet connection, downloading the contents can be an irritation. As the speed of Internet in Malaysia is slow, it is hard to finish the download of the contents as the connection usually disconnects itself due to the problem of the internet service provider.
5.0 Conclusion
As a conclusion, I would like to recommend e-learning program as the mode of learning in Malaysia. This is because of the better comparative reasons between e-learning and the traditional mode of learning. In e-learning, students get to have the freedom of study they crave for. This can help to improve the students’ creativity as they are required to think from what they read instead of being taught on how to think from the traditional mode of teaching. Although the e-learning system in Malaysia currently has flaws and unpopular, I believe that with time and commitment from both the government and institutions, it can be a huge success in raising the standard of the education in Malaysia.
Reference
Reference
[1] Wikipedia, “Human-Computer Interaction”, 2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human%E2%80%93computer_interaction.
[2] Professor Tan Sri Datuk Anuwar Ali, “Issues and Challenges in Implementing E-Learning in Malaysia”, UNITEM.
[3] Kasper Hornbaek, Simon Heilesen, Lisa Gjedde, Bo Fibiger and Lone Malmborg, “Human Computer Interaction and E-Learning,” September 2002.
[1] Wikipedia, “Human-Computer Interaction”, 2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human%E2%80%93computer_interaction.
[2] Professor Tan Sri Datuk Anuwar Ali, “Issues and Challenges in Implementing E-Learning in Malaysia”, UNITEM.
[3] Kasper Hornbaek, Simon Heilesen, Lisa Gjedde, Bo Fibiger and Lone Malmborg, “Human Computer Interaction and E-Learning,” September 2002.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Reference
[1] Wikipedia, “Astrology”, July 2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrology.
[2] Wikipedia, “Horoscope”, July 2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horoscope.
[3] Wikipedia, “Zodiac”, July 2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zodiac.
[4] Multiple author, “How to Argue That Astrology is Fake”, May 2010, http://www.wikihow.com/Argue-That-Astrology-is-Fake.
[2] Wikipedia, “Horoscope”, July 2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horoscope.
[3] Wikipedia, “Zodiac”, July 2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zodiac.
[4] Multiple author, “How to Argue That Astrology is Fake”, May 2010, http://www.wikihow.com/Argue-That-Astrology-is-Fake.
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