Educational institutions are attracted towards use of ICT that provides them with more flexibility and options to reach the students in various ways. Judicious mix of different tools and strategies with use of ICT can enhance the learning experiences of the students. ICT has the potential to transform the way teaching and learning happens in the classroom setting. So much is known about use of ICT in education. However, there is no study available in the context of Commonwealth Asian countries on eLearning. How is eLearning doing and whether the institutions, teachers and students are really interested in and beneficiary of eLearning? How are different activities pertaining to eLearning being managed by different institutions? What are the challenges and opportunities faced by institutions for effective implementation of eLearning across disciplines and subjects? To find answers to all such questions, a systematic study was undertaken to track the growth and development of eLearning in Commonwealth Asian countries i.e. Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Singapore and Sri Lanka. Report available at http://cemca.org.in/publicationhome/elearning-commonwealth-asia-2013-sk-pulist

1. Implications
and
Impact
Commentary
Ishan Abeywardena
7th Pan-Commonwealth Forum
(PCF7), Abuja, Nigeria.
6th December 2013

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eLearning Palm Print
Country Profiles
ICT and Students
Important Trends
Copyright and OER
Conclusions & Recommendations

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Infrastructure
Content
Technology and Tools
Teachers and Learners
Quality
Barriers and Enablers
Image created using http://www.tagxedo.com
17 aspects of eLearning

5. Computers per 100
inhabitants
Bangladesh
Brunei Darussalam
India
Malaysia
Maldives
Pakistan
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Internet users per 1000
inhabitants
2.50%
9.10%
3.20%
22.70%
20.00%
0.50%
74.30%
3.70%
3.70%
50.00%
7.50%
56.30%
28.30%
16.80%
71.10%
12.00%

10. Key Findings
• eLearning in Commonwealth Asian
countries is an increasing trend
• Enthusiasm among the faculty and
staff is high
• Institutions are integrating ICTs and
online technologies in their
programmes
• eLearning programmes are largely
offered in blended mode

11. Key Recommendations
• Diversify programme offerings through
eLearning
• Offering completely online programmes
• Respond to market needs through more
eLearning
• Encourage continuous professional
development
• Ensure usability by people with disabilities
• Prioritize development of quality
parameters/guidelines

12. Thanks

13. About…
Ishan Abeywardena
Deputy Dean and Senior Lecturer, School of Science and Technology, Wawasan Open University, Penang, Malaysia
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MSc in Wireless Enterprise Business Systems, Brunel University, UK.
MSc in Engineering Management, Brunel University, UK.
BSc in Computer Science, Bangalore University, India.
PhD Candidate in Computer Science, University Malaya, Malaysia. Areas of specialisation: text mining,
metadata, faceted search
Professional Member of
– Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (MIEEE)
– British Computer Society (MBCS)
– Institution of Engineering and Technology (MIET)
– Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
Official Profile: http://www.wou.edu.my/IshanAbeywardena.html
Professional Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ishansa
Research Profile: http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ishan_Abeywardena/
Tech Blog: http://www.ishantalks.com
E-mail: ishansa@wou.edu.my