e-Learning: From Theory to Practice

Jowati binti Juhary

[presented at the International Conference on Teaching and Teacher Education, Crown Princess Hotel KL, September 2003; organised by IIUM]

Abstract

In the new century, which presents challenges of rapid advancement in information and telecommunication technologies, there is a need to look at the educational set up. As Malaysia is going full speed to realise the Vision 2020, the nation needs a new tool of learning to breed a new generation for the future. e-Learning is a new tool in the education system. Basically, e-learning is a technology-based learning. Though technology itself has been in the education system for more than 20 years, e-learning can be considered at its infancy stage especially in Malaysia. This study attempts to discuss how educational theories can be brought into practices in the Malaysian educational settings. The objectives of the study are firstly to identify the relevant theories in preparing courseware for e-learning and secondly to discuss the transfer of the theories into the practices of e-learning. The research methods are twofold: text analysis and observations - questionnaires and interviews. Students in tertiary learning environment are the subjects of the study. This is because many scholars put forth that e-learning is more suitable for adult learners. Findings show that there are two issues in implementing educational theories into the setting of e-learning. It is hoped that the study will enhance people’s understanding on the issues of e-learning and Malaysian education system. After all, the graduates of this new learning tool will be the future leaders of Malaysia.