E-Learning in Malaysia: Moving Forward in Open Distance Learning

• Main Author: Zoraini Wati Abas
• Format: Article
• Published: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education 2009
• Subjects: LB2300 Higher Education; LC5800 Distance education
• Online Access: http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/590/
• Institution: Open University Malaysia

Many higher education institutions have embarked on e-learning as a means to support their learning and teaching activities. In distance learning institutions, e-learning has enabled them to reach out to students dispersed over a wide geographical area, locally and internationally. In some countries, e-learning has also given students the opportunity to pursue further education from wherever they are irrespective of time and place. Malaysian higher educational institutions have generally been keen on e-learning. However, it is in the distance learning institutions such as the Wawasan Open University and Open University Malaysia, where e-learning has thrived and has been utilized for both pedagogical and administrative support. For example, by early 2009, the latter had an enrollment of over 78,000 students. Growing from a mere 753 students in 2001, the university's e-learning implementation, which is part of its blended learning pedagogy, is considered a huge success story. This article will outline Malaysia's e-learning scenario in general and highlight the success of e-learning in the country's first open and distance learning institution. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]