(Gerak asked ChatGPT about the Higher Education Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin’s proposal to allow higher education institution students in Malaysia to study two years online and only one year on campus. This is its response. We share the obvious points raised by the AI tool.)

Dear sir,

I understand your desire to improve access to education for students in Malaysia through the use of online learning.

However, it’s important to consider the current state of internet connectivity in the country. A significant portion of the population still lacks reliable access to the internet, which would make it difficult for them to participate in online learning.

Furthermore, while online learning can offer certain benefits such as flexibility and convenience, it may not be the best fit for all students, especially in the first two years of a university programme.

These years are often foundational and require more interactive and engaging forms of learning. It can also be challenging for students to stay motivated and focused without the in-person support and interaction that traditional classroom settings offer.

Moreover, the shift to online learning may result in a significant digital divide, where students from low-income backgrounds or those without access to the internet would be at a disadvantage. This could further exacerbate existing inequalities in the education system.

Therefore, I would suggest that a more comprehensive approach be taken to address the issue of access to education.

This could involve increasing funding to improve internet infrastructure and access to devices for students, as well as exploring alternative forms of learning such as blended or hybrid models that combine online and in-person learning.

Thank you for your dedication to improving education in Malaysia, and I hope these considerations will be taken into account as decisions are made.

Sincerely,

ChatGPT

* Pergerakan Tenaga Akamedik Malaysia (Gerak) is a civil society group championing education reform and integrity in tertiary education.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.