E LEARNING: The Real E Learning

E-learning is commonly referred to the intentional use of networked information and communications technology in teaching and learning. A number of other terms are also used to describe this mode of teaching and learning. They include online learning, virtual learning, distributed learning, network and web-based learning. Fundamentally, they all refer to educational processes that utilize information and communications technology to mediate asynchronous as well as synchronous learning and teaching activities. On closer scrutiny, however, it will be clear that these labels refer to slightly different educational processes and as such they cannot be used synonymously with the term e-learning.

The term e-learning comprises a lot more than online learning, virtual learning, distributed learning, networked or web-based learning. As the letter “e” in e-learning stands for the word “electronic”, e-learning would incorporate all educational activities that are carried out by individuals or groups working online or offline, and synchronously or asynchronously via networked or standalone computers and other electronic devices.

History of E Learning In Malaysia
> E-learning strategies have been introduced into public universities since 1996
> The 1990s were a period of considerable economic and educational change in Malaysia.

> 1990s = Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad introduced Vision 2020
> 1996 = Establishment of the Multimedia Super Corridor and the privatization of tertiary education.

> All these initiatives were interconnected. The Malaysian educational sector appears to have been revolutionised during the decade beginning in 1996.
> Since then, E-learning is introduced widely and is encourage to be implemented in organizations and education.