Business
Utilising right e-learning model in New Economy
Ferina Manecksha

04/02/2001
The New Straits Times
Computimes; 2*
02
(Copyright 2001)

THERE is tremendous growth potential for electronic learning (e- learning) in Malaysia but the greatest challenge is the ability to keep up with the fast pace of the New Economy.

IBM Corp's program manager on e-business sales enablement for Asia- Pacific Heah Kheng Lye said while universities in general are aware of the importance of e-learning, some still question its true value.

"Different universities have different levels of maturity and readiness. The important thing is that they all need to have a sound e-learning model and to ensure their curriculum moves in tandem with what is required by the New Economy," Heah said.

"From my experience, the local universities are adapting to the requirement of the New Economy at a speed never seen before," he added.

According to Heah, nevertheless the biggest hurdle to e-learning is not the technology but the human resource element. There needs to be the right approach to using the available technology. For each discipline, the learning process will be different, he said.

"The biggest stumbling block is to change the attitude of professors and lecturers towards technology. Students on the other hand can pick it up very fast," Heah said.

He added that technology should not be a block but an enabler to e- learning and delivery mode should not be limited to a desktop or notebook computers but should be extended to handheld devices and mobile phones.

E-learning, according to Heah, is the learner's ability to learn any where, any how, any time. It refers to technology-enabled learning using networks such as the Internet, intranet and digital technology tools.

It is also defined as providing enterprises with a complete, open and scalable platform for delivering effective learning which includes content delivery and knowledge transfer.

It has been reported that in 1999, IBM delivered 25 per cent of its internal training via distributed learning to about 135,000 employees worldwide, saving the company US$200 million (RM760 million).

International Data Corp (IDC) discovered that instructor-led training accounted for 87 per cent of the total delivery media in the Asia-Pacific region.

By 2004, instructor-led training is expected to drop to 74 per cent of total delivery media. Between 1999 and 2004, IDC estimates that e-learning will grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 94 per cent.

For companies wanting to succeed with developing an e-learning environment, it takes more than having the right technology and delivering good content and courses.

It requires companies to focus on building a learning culture, leveraging senior management support, deploying the appropriate business model and putting the right team of people to sustain the change throughout the organisation.

ferina@itp.nstp.com.my