LETTERS: Education design has evolved as technology drives changes in the teaching and learning process. The virtual learning environment has changed the face of learning and plays an essential role in providing people with more opportunities to learn from anywhere and at any time.
The new normal has revolutionised the online learning landscape. Now, the necessity of online and massive open online courses as learning options can no longer be disputed.
Early this year, a survey among 260 Malaysian and Thai university students found that four factors can influence the virtual learning's effectiveness: effective communication, interactive teaching methods, diversity in the method of presentation and classroom environment.
The survey found that, in the Malaysian context, 53 per cent of the variance in views towards virtual learning is explained by the four factors, but in Thailand, only 43 per cent of the variance is explained by the four factors.
Further analysis found that a majority of respondents in Malaysia still prefer physical classes, while respondents in Thailand expressed strong reservations about the idea of virtual learning becoming the sole medium of delivery.
This may be related to the cultural values that are traditionally taught in physical classrooms. Effective communication is reduced when there is both physical and psychological separation.
So promoting social presence in the virtual learning environment should be explored to increase its credibility and effectiveness as an alternative to face-to-face classes.
As for interactive teaching methods, the survey found that the adoption of new information technologies and communication as the enabler is essential to enhancing the development and dissemination of e-learning courses.
Yet, both groups surveyed seem to be of the opinion that virtual learning should not be the only method. So a mixed learning environment, either asynchronously or synchronously, depending on access to the right IT infrastructure, the content of a course and users' readiness, is recommended.
Besides that, diversity in methods of presentation within virtual learning environments should also be encouraged, such as introducing tools like audio and videotapes, CD-ROMs and Internet-based support.
Diversifying methods of presentation can also lead to the diversification of available learning media in addition to printed material and the ones mentioned. An integrated satellite network for education may be possible.
Furthermore, a mixture of independent study and scheduled tutor-assisted sessions can complement the normal e-learning format.
Updating ICT infrastructure by introducing state of the art technology, ensuring fast and stable Internet connection, having continuous power supply, improving Internet security, conducting regular maintenance and ensuring efficient administration can all improve the virtual learning process.
Finally, behaviours, attitudes and actions have also been found to influence the effectiveness of virtual learning. This includes a participant's level of engagement, personality, motivation, effort and self-confidence.
Instructors should organise lessons and events more effectively to allow students to participate more actively. When both parties have the required skills and competencies, have access to the right infrastructure, are well-motivated, engaged and have the desire and passion to teach and learn, the more effective virtual learning will be, during or post-Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr Houcine Meddour
School of Business Management, Universiti Utara Malaysia
Professor Dr Abdul Halim Abdul Majid
Institute for Business Competitiveness, Standards and Sustainability Initiative
Dr Phathara-On Wesarat
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times