Malaysian Economics: Education sector

 7. Thoughts on ICT in education sector.

 

Since ICT in Malaysia has a strength foundation, specifically in education sector, the Ministry of Education is still trying to adapt ICT usage in the classroom especially in primary education.  For example, EduWebTV, PowerPoint, video, and other visual methods. Through these ways, learning and teaching session can be carried out easily, and concisely. Furthermore, since the pandemic has spread over the world, ICT seems to be an important tool and as an alternative to face-to-face learning session despite educational institutions closure.

The implementation of this blueprint is effective to address the virtual learning when Covid-19 hits globally as both students and teachers were get used to education software before COVID-19 outbreak.  For example, since there was a digital learning in school, the students have been exposed to software, namely Microsoft Office 365, Canva, Tableau and others which make the learning process more fun and entertaining. Since both parties have getting used by these applications before, the implementation of technologies in classroom become less difficult for them to fully adapt with online learning during COVID-19 outbreak.  The exposure of ICT they had prior to outbreak make them easier to catch up the learning session run smoothly even though without the face-to-face monitoring from the educators.  Students are able to be independent in finding learning materials and know how to make full use of ICT without the help of an educator.

Next, ICT improves learning abilities. It provides a platform for educators, learners, and other members of the education community to engage and enhance the education management system which is not only limited to the classroom stage but to the national stage.  The act of the Malaysian government leveraging ICT for students’ learning from the beginning of 2013, seems sensible as ICT in education sector has been globally practiced.  Hence, the Malaysian students will not have fallen so far behind especially when they enter the university and engage with international students who were built to deal with digital learning through the education system in their respective country.  Moreover, virtual learning becomes more common during the pandemic.  It has been said that the Malaysian Education Blueprint giving the local students a great opportunity to compete nationally with international students since the local know how to fully benefit ICT regardless of circumstances like global outbreak they had to face.

Then, ICT promotes inclusion. The advantages of ICT in teaching and learning session are that all learners in the classroom can be benefited from the curriculum material.  Besides, learners with special needs will not be left behind because they have access to any materials they want and can use ICT tools to meet their academic needs.  Therefore, the use of ICT is not only seen as an important tool in the pandemic situation, but students who are literate in ICT are quick to adapt to the new way of learning.  They are aware of the benefits of ICT and how they are going to utilize it.  Since the students would not have a chance learning from face-to-face with their educators, they still can find additional materials if they are technology literate.  Thus, they will feel less stress during the online learning session.

Ultimately, the implementation of ICT in the important sectors, like education is very crucial.  The government plays a fundamental role in adapting ICT in the education system from primary to tertiary level to ensure ICT is leveraged effectively in education.  The history of the pandemic has proven the importance of ICT and technology literate person in education sector of Malaysia.