A worrying trend is on the rise – more school-leavers are choosing not to pursue higher studies. Malaysia is already struggling with a brain drain rate that is a staggering 5.5% of the population, which is significantly higher than the global average of 3.3%. These issues could drag Malaysian economy further behind.This is where online learning can be a game-changer. If you are a school-leaver, you can work full-time and study part-time to increase your value. If you are already working, you can study part-time to upgrade your qualifications and fill in the gap left by the brain drain.
Open University Malaysia (OUM) offers a brand of online learning that is flexible, accessible and convenient for all Malaysians.You can seek to enrol in OUM through normal entry or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) pathway. APEL takes into account your working experience, knowledge and skills.There are three types of APEL – APEL.A is for admission, APEL.C is for credit transfer so that one can graduate faster, and APEL.Q awards academic qualifications based on years of working experience.
Within 13 years, from 2009 to 2022, more than 33,000 Malaysians have entered OUM through APEL.After flexible admission comes flexible learning. You can access your courses and study matters online, so you can fit your studies around your schedule.You will have access to e-tutorials, which you can attend at the scheduled time or watch later. You can study at your own pace and focus on the areas you need to improve. This is especially beneficial if you struggle with certain subjects. You can take your time to understand the materials and ask for help when you need it.
Online learning is the answer if you wish to advance your career or switch to another line but cannot commit to full-time studies. Let’s say you are a manager andyou need a Master of Business Administration (MBA) for promotion or career growth. You can get that qualification if youstudyon the side for just 2 years.Besides the MBA, OUM also offers 54 other undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. These come under four faculties: business and management; education;technology and applied sciences; and social sciences and humanities.All programmes are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency. There are also SIRIM-certified programmes such as Bachelor of Science in Project and Facility Management, Master of Quality Management and Master of Facility Management.
OUM students come from diverse backgrounds, matchingits tagline, “Digital University for All.” Scattered throughout Malaysia, most of them are public and private sector employeesbut there are also athletes, celebrities and even prison inmates.And why shouldn’t they be drawn to OUM? Right from registration till graduation, they could perform all their obligations online. All classes, assignments, discussions and examinations could be handled with just taps, clicks and presses on their computers and mobile devices.In fact, numerous people with disabilities have found OUM to be the most viable option for them.Online learning does not mean that you will have to struggle on your own. Each student is assigned the Learning Centre nearest to them, out of the 35 Learning Centresnationwide. These Learning Centres provide support, assistance and guidance in all study matters.While studying, a Master of Counselling alumnushad set up anNGO together with her coursematesto providepro bono counselling services through trainee counsellors. So, online learning also has the potential of promoting collaboration and networking.
It is a fact that traditional education can be expensive, with textbooks, transportation and accommodation costs. Online programmes are far more affordable and you need not worry about commuting or relocating.Online programmes are also far more interesting, which is important these days as students are easily distracted by their smartphones and other mobile devices. Through interactive multimedia andemerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and gamification, you will find learning much more enjoyable and be able to stay motivated.Online learning is the way forward in the current situation, as it will give you the flexibility you need to continue fulfilling your commitments and go after your dreams at the same time.Thus far, 98,000 have graduated from OUM with the qualifications they desire. The University aspires to educate many more, by enabling them to study anytime, anywhere, at their own pace and convenience, through online learning.
* For information on OUM programmes, call the speedline at 03-7801 2000, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.oum.edu.my.
