FLEXIBLE learning and a shortening of the study period for certain programmes would benefit both students and higher education institutions in the country, academics said. 

They said the country’s embrace of online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic should be continued with several improvements made.

Putra Business School academic Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff told The Malaysian Insight that online classes should continue as public universities were currently facing high maintenance costs. 

He, however, said classes should not be 100% online but have physical interaction every now and then.  

“We have had our own experience during the pandemic, and it should continue; the facilities given to both students and faculties must also be continued. 

“There are clear challenges for students and institutions to deal with. Cost of living is higher and the cost for institutions is also getting higher. 

“We can surely optimise existing facilities to make online classes better. This should also be in tandem with physical classes, which should be held from time to time,” Razman said.

International Islamic University Malaysia student leader Aliff Naif agreed.

He said students should make their own decisions and urged them to take up the challenge to improve themselves. 

“I agree with the suggestion to have flexibility, but let students decide. If they feel two years is too long, they may take a year (online class), then on campus. 

“This suggestion can be further improved. Self-development is important. Students can’t just choose to stay at home. They need to be active on campus as well,” he said. 

Decline in education quality 

Dr Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia feels that online classes would reduce costs but could hamper the quality of education. 

“Yes, online classes save a lot of money, but what is our priority? Do we want our education standards to go up or down? 

“For freshies, first or second semester online classes are not suitable. Many are still young and have just entered university. Their thinking will be like a high school student’s. 

“Many will skip classes or may do something else while the lecturer is teaching behind a screen,” he said.

Mazlan was of the view an online setting was more suited for seniors, who are about to complete their studies and “will want good grades”.

The Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) had earlier said it was looking at ways to ease the burden for students at public universities by introducing flexible learning and shortening the study period for certain programmes. 

Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said allowing flexible study arrangements would allow students to complete half of their four-year programmes at home, finishing the remainder on campus. 

He said the flexibility could result in lower tuition fees as there would be lower usage of university facilities.

MOHE was allocated RM15.3 billion under Budget 2023 – higher than last year’s RM14.5 billion. – February 28, 2023.