e-learning readiness - Asia Pacific Region - Open University Malaysia

6.2 RecommendationsBased on the findings of the study, a number of recommendations can bemade with regards to the future of E-learning in Malaysia. The primaryarea of development for harnessing the E-learning potential is capacitybuilding, which refers to the development of individuals andorganisations in order to attain the national goal of becoming aneducational hub in the region. Thus, E-learning will feature as a majorcontributor to knowledge building and lifelong learning in formal,informal and non-formal learning environments, while E-learningreadiness would be a necessary ingredient in the realisation of such agoal.Recommendations for the enhancement of E-learning readiness have beenmade with reference to each of the following areas:1. Human Resource Development2. Research and Development3. Infrastructure4. Infostructure5. Institutional Framework6. Policy Initiatives7. BenchmarkingDetails pertaining to each of these areas follow:6.2.1 Human Resource DevelopmentThe primary goal of human resource development in relation to E-learning is to produce local expertise in developing and deployingeffective E-learning applications. In this sense, the term ‘humanresource’ refers to policy makers, providers and enablers. Further, thepotential of receivers has to be developed so that there is a ready poolof knowledge workers in the future. The attainment of expertise isessential to the provision of E-learning, as this will propel policymakers, providers and enablers to become authorities in E-learning,and to build a reputation for their skills and experience in deployingeffective E-learning plans in their organisations.To realize these aims, the following recommendations are forwarded:-(a) Appoint a Chief Learning Officer (CLO) in every educationalorganisation who will provide E-leadership to strategise andimplement all E-learning initiatives in the institution. The CLOwould implement a change management programme to cultivatean E-learning culture among all staff in the institution. He or sheshould be an educationist with training especially in the field ofinstructional/educational technology in particular.(b) Train a core group of E-learning experts within each institution sothat they may become trainers of international calibre.Joint Study by MECW and OUM 103