Future-Proofing Through Online Learning

You probably already understand the benefits of online learning for yourself and other learners. It cuts classroom time, materials and travel costs. You can obtain a degree without ever physically going to class. But did you know that online learning is also good for the environment?

This is the message brought by President/Vice-Chancellor, Assoc Prof Dr Ahmad Izanee Awang, through his presentation, “Everything Online: ODL & the Sustainable Urban Future”, at the fourth Malaysia Urban Forum which took place in Shah Alam, Selangor, from 16 to 18 October.

In his presentation at a roundtable session on 17 October, he explained that online classes and processes, as well as paperless assignments and exams, help to:

• reduce pollutants and emissions;
• cut down on commuting and transport;
• save energy;
• limit paper usage; and
• reduce drain on natural resources.

An online teaching model could achieve almost 90% lower carbon profiles than face-to-face teaching. To put it simply, online learning reduces our carbon footprint. This would go a long way towards future-proofing higher education without hurting the environment.

Dr Izanee also shared OUM’s experience in employing online learning to increase the academic achievements of people from all walks of life, including fresh school-leavers, professionals, housewives, senior citizens, and even prison inmates.

“After the pandemic, we have to accept that the mode of education has started changing and online learning is gaining more acceptance. With advancements in ICT, education should be more accessible and no one should be left behind, regardless of whether they are in a large city or in the interior areas.”

The forum, which focused on “People-Centred, Future-Proof and Better Cities for All” was held at the MBSA Convention Centre in Shah Alam by Urbanice Malaysia, which is under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.

The roundtable session, in which Dr Izanee served as a panellist, tackled the theme “Learning for and from the City”. Moderated by METEOR Group Chief Financial Officer, Nurul Maisara Md Isa, it featured seven other panellists who included former Lembah Pantai MP, Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzli.