REFLECTION LESSON 7

The education system in Malaysia today is undergoing rapid change once.

Various new methods have been introduced as well as used so that one's teaching
educators become more effective and student learning becomes easier and more fun.
Over the past few years computer -assisted teaching and learning methods have been
began to be introduced and now with the era of information and communication
technology (ICT) increasingly rapidly, it is gaining attention in the teaching and learning
process in schools.

Therefore, some curriculum changes have been made by the Ministry of

Education Malaysia (KPM). Information Technology (IT) subjects were first introduced
by the MOE as subjects’ elective lessons in secondary school began in late 1998.
(Development Center Curriculum (PPK), 2000). This is a start that shows the
seriousness of the MOE in implementing the use of ICT in education. Continuity from
introducing subjects Information Technology, the ministry has implemented several
more programs related to ICT such as the introduction to computers program in 1986,
the computer literacy project 1992, computer -assisted learning (CALL) project in 1994
and educational networking project in 1995 was introduced in secondary schools as well
as in primary schools, this is for expanding the use of ICT in education.

In line with the ICT program launched, the government has introduced smart
schools in 1999 guided the use of ICT in all matters of administration and teaching and
learning. Everything ICT facilities and equipment are provided adequately. Realize the
importance of and the effectiveness of the use of ICT in education, the government has
added various projects and ICT -related planning starting in national schools again.
Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) has introduced various policies or measures to
develop field of education including the launch of the Education Development Master
Plan (PIPP) 2006-2010. One of the cores of PIPP is to empower national schools. For
empowering these national schools, school improvement programs and ICT integration
in teaching and learning (T&L) has been created. School improvement program involves
the full use of ICT in teaching and learning in schools.

To implement these programs, KPM has provided such infrastructure

lab/computer room, hardware such as computers, laptops, LCD projectors and servers
REFLECTION LESSON 7

for teaching and learning as well as training ICT -related teachers. Educators are
therefore urged to equip themselves with a wide range of knowledge and information
technology -based techniques or skills to face the world of teaching This is all
challenging. Accordingly, educators need to be prepared with knowledge and adequate
skills in the use of ICT. This is because, it is not impossible if one day students go to
school not carrying books but carrying laptops as book replacement. This is already
happening in developed countries.

The importance of ICT in education is further evidenced by the Ministry's

statement Pendidikan Malaysia (KPM) which has outlined “utilizing ICT to improve
quality of learning in Malaysia ”in the 7th shift contained in the Plan Malaysian
Education Development 2013-2025 (PPPM 2013-2025) (KPM 2013). The Ministry of
Higher Education Malaysia (KPTM) has also outlined “learning online globally”in the 8th
leap (Higher Education Development Plan Malaysia 2013-2025) as an effort in utilizing
ICT to improve standards education in Malaysia is on par with the developed countries
of the world. 7th KPM shift and the 8th Leap of KPTM clearly shows that the world of
education today highly dependent on ICT.

ICT is very important in helping the PdP process become more and more
interesting and effective (Khadijah et al.2014; Hasnuddin et al.2015; Rogayah and
Mohd Aderi 2016), creating a fun learning environment and being able to improve
quality teaching of teachers (Sharifah Nor Puteh & KamarulAzman 2011; Joseph
Anjuman and Wan Rozali 2013; Martyrs and Mohd Aderi 2016) in addition to being able
to speed up acceptance students as well as able to generate the level of student
thinking (Ain Zawani 2014; Norasmahani et al.2015; Thanabalan and Thanabal 2015;
Abu Yazid Abu Bakar 2016).

ICT is also a communication facilitator tool, this is because ICT enables gury-
teachers as well as students who are in different places send, receive, access and
share information in various forms. Students be able to gain a learning experience that
REFLECTION LESSON 7

is able to open the mind as well as make learning sessions will be more effective
through collaborative learning. This matter reinforced by Syed Muhammad Dawilah Al
Idrus and Mohd Lutfi Solehan (2009) that ICT is characterized as a form of
communication tool that enables flow information becomes very fast.

ICT can be used for the purpose of increasing knowledge, experience, skills and
abilities. ICT allows Islamic Education Lecturers to exchange data and information in an
infinite time and place, quickly and in a timely manner synchronous over a local or
global network. This is also supported by Nor Izzah (2011) that among the advantages
of using ICT as a communication facilitator is ICT can implement collaborative learning,
enhancing engagement students in the process of learning through a global peer group,
and have the opportunity to discuss with experts from within and outside the country.

According to KPM (2001) the use of ICT in PdP means using ICT in a thoughtful,
planned and appropriate to improve process efficiency and effectiveness PdP. ICT can
be used as an administrative tool, a research tool and as a medium or PdP sources.
According to Joseph Anjuman and Wan Rozali (2013) that the use of ICT divided into
two aspects, namely the aspects of teaching and learning. Use of ICT in aspect of
learning is the use of ICT for exploratory learning, tutorials, ICT as a communication
facilitator and as an application tool. While in the aspect of teaching in turn, ICT is used
as a demonstration tool, educational network and presentation tool.

The use of ICT in the PdP process can increase the effectiveness of the PdP
process as well facilitate students to understand teaching (Asnuurien Najmaet.2008;
Norliza et al.2013; Ahmad Fkrudin et al.2014; Abu Yazid Abu Bakar 2016), can provide
the same opportunity flat on learning to all students regardless of background, improve
student self -motivation, allowing students to access information and gather within short
time, as well as enhancing the creativity and imagination of students (Robiah and Nor
Sakinah 2007) and can improve cognitive achievement among students (Sharifah Nor
Puteh and Kamarul Azman 2011; Anuar and Ahmad Nelson 2013; Thanabalan and
Thanabal 2015).

Johan @ Eddy Luaran (2013) suggests that a teacher needs to master basic
computer skills such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Microsoft
REFLECTION LESSON 7

Power Point and the Internet. Tengku Norhayati (2015) states that most teachers use
computers to provide annual teaching plans, produce notes, produce BBM such as
Power Point and so on.

Computers are complex electronic devices and have many advantages. It is

suitable as a tool to assist teachers in the teaching and learning process because it can
receive and processing data. Computers also help educators achieve effective teaching
and learning objectives if used systematically. Teaching that is accompanied by the
latest teaching aids will be able to increase students' interest in learning a subject. In
addition, if the computer can be used systematically and effectively by teachers, it is
able to solve any teaching and learning problems. This is in line with the view of Heinich
(1996) who stated that computers can enrich teaching techniques. According to Merrill
(1986), a computer is an information processing machine that needs to be instructed by
its user. These instructions can be delivered through input equipment such as
keyboards, scanners, cards, joysticks, mice, graphics pads and central processing units
(CPUs).

Heinich (1996) stated that computers can control and managing a lot of teaching
materials. The ability of computers to interact with users allows teachers to implement
teaching and learning more easily and interestingly. Bitter (1989) stated that the
computer can work fast and operate 24 hours without stopping and the information it
produces is accurate. The use of computers is related to information and
communication technology that is now applied in the national education system. This is
because computers are used as databases, able to provide information sought or
requested by the public. The implementation of the Smart School concept, which is one
of the flagship applications in the Multimedia Super Corridor, is the government's
ongoing effort to form a new generation that is competitive in the information and
communication technology era.

The Malaysian Ministry of Education sees ICT as a tool to revolutionize learning, enrich
the curriculum, expand pedagogy, structure school organizations more effectively,
create stronger relationships between schools and communities, and improve student
REFLECTION LESSON 7

mastery. The concept of ICT in education from the perspective of KPM includes 3 main
policies:

 ICT for all students, means that ICT is used as something that can reduce the
digital divide between schools.
 The function and role of ICT in education is as a teaching and learning tool, as
part of the subject, and as a separate subject.
 Using ICT to increase the productivity, efficiency and effectiveness of a
management system.

The use of ICT in teaching and learning means using ICT in a thoughtful, planned
and appropriate manner to improve the efficiency of the process and the effectiveness
of teaching and learning. Equipment used in teaching in schools consists of computers,
overhead projectors, notebooks, digital cameras and transparencies, slides and other
multimedia equipment facilities. These tools are important if teaching methods are to be
diversified. All these equipments, can be categorized into high -tech use and low -tech
use. The era of information and communication technology, the World Wide Web
(WWW) has made the internet more user -friendly where it can integrate graphics, text
and sound into a single display page.

This e-learning can be used widely, ie students can access materials and learn
according to their own needs in terms of technical time also in informal situations. It is
cost effective where many of the materials available on various sites can be accessed
by students and students without incurring much cost. Even free resources on the
internet bring a lot of benefits to users for learning purposes as well as other fields
(Fakhrul, 2002). This is different from the traditional way where it costs more to buy
books, journals and so on. It also provides the latest content that is material available on
the internet is easily updated and the latest information. This means that users
especially students and students can find the latest information that is not available in
books.

In addition, learning also helps the sharing of information where each user will get
information from around the world through the methods of online forums, email, video
conferencing and online chat. With this student can connect with students and other
REFLECTION LESSON 7

colleagues from around the world to share information collaboratively. Knowledge in e-

learning can also be disseminated simultaneously where students can access
information from any desired website simultaneously. It is different from the traditional
method where students must wait for time and turn to borrow books to get information.
E-learning also provides a lot of interactive materials that can provide information and
easily provide feedback. Through ICT learning can take place outside the confines of
the school. Students can interact with students and each other to expand knowledge
and build learning that is not tied. ICT can develop the concept of learning that is free
from dependence on students and learning that is not tied to rigid and constrained
classroom and school organizations. This will certainly present challenges to the
education profession, especially in terms of the role and task of education that has so
far depended on students.

Among the roles of the use of ICT in education are:

 Able to increase students' understanding and mastery of the lesson.

 Provide equal learning opportunities to all students of various abilities.
 Increase student motivation.
 Enable individualized learning.
 Enable students to access information that is difficult to obtain.
 Allows students to gather information that takes a long time or is too expensive to
obtain.
 Creating a fun and challenging learning environment.
 Allows students to try or perform experiments that are difficult, too expensive,
impossible or dangerous to perform in the usual way.
 Increase students' creativity and imagination.
 Provide opportunities for students to learn effectively with minimal guidance.
 Improve ICT skills.

The development of a learning system using ICT is a process requires skills,

knowledge in the field of graphics, in addition to creativity to produce a quality system.
Many studies support the effectiveness of ICT in enhancing the learning of preschool
children.
REFLECTION LESSON 7

As the challenges of globalization in this borderless world become even greater, all
parties need to work together in realizing the aspirations of KPM. There is no denying
that teaching using ICT is one comprehensive strategies in determining student
achievement levels. However, style teacher teaching plays an important role in teaching
and learning in in class. Teachers need to find more creative, innovative and interesting
ideas to increase interest and motivate students to learn. Use of ICT is simply a tool that
can help teachers and simplify the process teaching and learning (Burnett 2010).

The use of the internet in teaching and learning can increase interest and
subsequently student performance. A study conducted by the US National Foundation
in Thomas (2000) to 1735 parents and 601 students in the United States found 53% of
parents and 48% of students said primary use of the internet is to complete school
work. Studies show 43% of study respondents stated the use of internet and multimedia
is increasing their achievement in school. According to a study conducted by MCI
(1998), in the United States related to internet use in education, 91% of teachers are
interested in the use of the internet while teaching. The study also showed that over
48% of teachers already use the internet in their teaching. Most teachers and society in
America believe the internet can improve the standard of education because 90% think
ICT (Information and Communication Technology) has brought about a change major in
the field of Education especially related to the aspect of PdP (Rogayah and Mohd Aderi
2016). The development and rapidity of ICT in the age of globalization is now
demanding educational institutions make changes to remain relevant in terms of
provision and human capital development to the country to achieve developed country
status (Christina Andin @Nur Qistina and Hazman 2009; Marlina et al. 2016). ICT has
become a necessity in the field of education; therefore, ICT is very important and needs
to be utilized entirely by educators to create an informed society as well global thinking
(Syuhada and Mohd Aderi 2016; Khairun Nisak et al. 2016).

Apart from that, an important step that needs to be considered is preparation

computer facilities in schools. With the availability of computers in schools, teachers can
use a variety of teaching strategies to generate ideas as well as improve the student’s
ability to manipulate the information that has been collected. The role of teachers in
REFLECTION LESSON 7

monitor the use of word processor applications, worksheets and presentations are
necessary to avoid distracting the pupil from more important things. At in addition
teachers need to provide clear and detailed guidelines to ensure discipline students
during the use of email, chat rooms etc. properly. Valuation can be conducted by
teachers and discussion groups when the results are presented insidem class (Rusmini
Ku Ahmad, 2012). With the control and computers in the school connected to a main
computer, then the teacher can monitor the movement of students use the computer so
that students do not deviate from their original purpose.

In addition to strengthening the integration of ICT in the teaching and learning

process schools should use various external services such as private parties,
government, bodies academic, commercial as well as the local community. The State
Education Resource Center is the most relevant reference sources for technical advice
and teaching and learning methods using ICT. Smart sharing techniques between
schools and the private sector can be used as strategies to improve ICT skills teachers
and all school residents. Schools should take advantage of the opportunities available in
the community local in terms of obtaining contributions in the form of experts to assist
teachers in making the use of ICT in teaching and learning effective.

In addition to discussing strategies to integrate information technology in the process

teaching and learning, the problem of integrating information technology is also
discussed in the next paragraph. This is because every new application in any field, will
there is a problem and overcoming this problem is a challenge by all parties involved for
produce maximum results.

In conclusion it can be said that, information and communication technology is it is

very important for everyone to learn in this era of technology. The field of education as
well not lagging in the use of information technology in the teaching process and its
learning in order to produce more capable students. With that, information and
communication technology has been integrated in the teaching process and learning.
There are many advantages achieved by doing so. Although however, everything that is
done has its challenges to go through.
REFLECTION LESSON 7

The same goes for integrating information and communication technology in

education. There are some problems that need to be gone through before as well as
while implementing the method this teaching. Every problem must have a solution. So is
the problem arise in the process of integrating information technology in education.
Every problem that faced there is a way to solve it. Hence here it can be concluded that,
with integrating information and communication technology in education can spawn
generations who are information technology literate, more knowledgeable as well as
people of caliber and ready for the nature of work. This can also indirectly contribute to
progress as well productivity of a country.