Education: - infrastructure, equipment, curriculum, training, instruction, support, management.

This summary is part of a research project carried out between March and October 2006 in support of the International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD), one of The Communication Initiative (The CI)'s partners.

In line with the country’s information and communication technology (ICT) master plan and vision 2020, which envisages its longer-term development, Malaysia recognises that the transformation of its education system is fundamental to achieving its objectives. The Ministry of Education, with the participation of non-governmental agencies, is focusing on the development of new media for use as educational, organisational and partnership-building tools, and as a means for bridging the country’s digital divide and empowering learners. Due to its belief that ICT can revolutionise education and learning, the Ministry plans to integrate ICT into education on a fundamental level, incorporating systems to facilitate management, information gathering, access, and various forms of communication.

The following three policies form the foundation of the Ministry of Education’s plan for ICT in education:

• ICT will be used to reduce the digital divide between the country’s schools, enabling ICT access for all students;
• ICT will be used as teaching and learning tools in education, taught as an independent subject and integrated into others; and
• ICT will be used to enhance efficiency, effectiveness and productivity of management in education, through the automation and mechanisation of work processes.

Implementation strategies to achieve Malaysia’s ICT in education objectives include:

• Preparing appropriate ICT equipment and infrastructure for all schools;
• Introducing ICT curriculum and support for ICT integration into general teaching and learning;
• Upgrading the ICT skills and knowledge of both teachers and students;
• Increasing ICT use in educational management; and
• Upgrading ICT maintenance/management in educational institutions.

ICT Initiatives by Government Agencies

The Malaysian Smart School

Launched in 1997 as a pilot project involving approximately 90 schools throughout the country, Smart Schools are intended to nurture the development of a knowledge-based work force by moving away from memory-based learning towards education based on equitable access, stimulation of creativity and thinking, and support for individual learning. The main components of the Smart School Integrated Solution are a computerised Smart School Management System; Browser-based Teaching-Learning Materials; Help Desk support services and specialised support services; and a Smart School Technology Infrastructure.

Internet Usage

The Ministry of Education developed the MySchoolNet website, which provides links to enable students and teachers easier access to educational information, in order to enhance ICT use in education. Interactive communication between Malaysian students and those in other countries is also encouraged and supported.

ICT Training In Schools

The Ministry of Education uses the cascade model, in which suitable individuals undergo training and then pass this training on to other trainers who in turn train school colleagues, in order to disseminate ICT training throughout the school system. Various agencies within the ministry are responsible for ICT training, and all teachers studying at the Teacher Training Colleges are required to undertake training in ICT.

The Computerisation Programme in Schools

This programme, implemented in three stages, is intended to reduce the country’s digital divide by introducing ICT and promoting ICT literacy in the greatest number of schools possible. A computer lab is built for each of the schools, which are then upgraded at a later date to Smart Schools.

The Electronic Book Project

This pilot project explored the benefits of replacing conventional textbooks with electronic, or e-books, and how they might contribute to improvements in learning and teaching. Upon conclusion of the pilot after a five-month period, findings determined that e-books engaged students more actively in learning and reading, and also improved technology and computer knowledge.

Penang E-Learning Community Project (SIPI)

Started in 1997 and managed primarily by the Science University of Malaysia, this state-initiated project spearheads the development of web-based services, a web presence, and collaborative web-based tools for the purpose of providing needed information to the educational community within the state. Such services as web hosting, email, and electronic discussions are provided, and the E-Learning website hosts the homepages of a minimum of 100 schools.

ICT Initiatives by Non-Governmental Agencies

The Chinese Smart Schools

This project plans to promote ICT literacy for teachers and students in over 100 of Malaysia’s Chinese stream primary schools, through the establishment of computer laboratories and the promotion of ICT integration.

Private Smart Schools

In recognition of ICT as the way forward, private schools have begun adopting and adapting the Smart School concept, incorporating multimedia technology, worldwide networking and other ICT applications into the educational environment.

Title: ICT in Malaysian Schools: Policy and Strategies
Author: Chan, Foong-Mae
Year: 2002
Publication: Center for the Research and Support of Educational Practice

Click here to download the report in PDF format.

Relevant Links:
Center for the Research and Support of Educational Practice
UNESCO Bangkok - ICT in Education - Malaysia
The Way Forward: Vision 2020
Asia-Pacific Development Information Programme - ICT Profile - Malaysia
Digital Review of Asia Pacific 2005/2006: .my Malaysia
e-Learning for Life: A Malaysian Initiative
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Malaysia
Information Technology Landscape of Malaysia
All Malaysia.info - Government and Agencies (contacts)