Online learning is no longer considered new in Malaysia.

According to ICEF Monitor

on its website, Malaysia is one of 8 countries leading the way in online education. Online
education is quickly becoming a major phenomenon around the world. The system of online
learning has been largely used in higher education, and a lot of studies have been done to
discover both its strengths and weaknesses (Wang, 2010).
The environment in traditional teaching, as most of us have experienced, is
classroom-based and consists of lectures and direct instructions conducted by the teacher.
This teacher-centred method emphasizes learning through the teachers guidance at all times.
Meanwhile, in e-learning, there are no classrooms. The students study from a place that is
most convenient for them. Online education is comfortable for some students as they can
study from anywhere they wish as oppose to those who have to study in classrooms.
University costs an average of RM 10,000/year. You basically have to get an amazing
scholarship or make over five figures if you want to go to university or send your child to
university without falling into debt. In Malaysia, online courses are not yet been fully
implemented so the cost for online courses is not relevant but in other countries, online
masters/degree costs less than half of the fee using traditional method. But, having the
convenience of getting all the information needed only at our fingertips cost nothing but a
good internet connection which is very easy to get nowadays.
A benefit to taking online courses is that they offer time flexibility to the student. This
is a great option for those who already have a commitment with family and work. Online
classes will mould with your schedule where you can log in to your online course at a time
that works best for you as opposed to having to attend a lecture at a specific time.
Being an online student will work well for those who have the ability to self-motivate.
Without a plan or some type of organization, your work will suffer in the online classroom. A
traditional on-campus setting is probably best for you, if you know you need discipline to get

work completed. This method will give you the support and will to complete assignments and
tasks on a daily basis.
Although online education seemed very flexible and more attractive to some, there
are also certain courses such as Athletics, Chemistry, Clinical Psychology, Dentistry,
Medicine and Nursing require certain facilities and equipment to gain hands-on experience in
these areas, things you probably wont have lying around your home. Most online courses
can give detailed information but it is only in theory. Dealing with the equipment is a whole
different thing which we need to experience for ourselves.
In a nutshell, both online and traditional education is equally effective. The best
practice is to include both ways of education; the blended learning which can be considered
as an efficient approach of distance learning in terms of students learning experience,
student-student interaction as well as student instructor interaction and is likely to emerge as
the predominant education model in the future.

REFERENCES
1. Kisicek, S., Lauc, T., & Garic, A. (2012, 1-3 July). Using Multimedia Resources in an
Online Course with respect to Students' Learning Preferences. Paper presented at the The
8th WSEAS International Conference on Educational Technology (EDUTE '12), Porto,
Portugal.
2. Bates, S.P., Hardy, J., Hill, J., & McKain, D. (2007). How design of online learning
materials can accommodate the heterogeneity in student abilities, aptitudes and
aspirations. Learning and Teaching in Higher Education Journal, Issue 2.
3. Azizan, F.Z. (2010). Blended Learning in Higher Education Institution in Malaysia.
Proceedings of Regional Conference on Knowledge Integration in ICT.
4. Dzakiria, H., Mustafa, C.S., & Abu Bakar, H. (2006). Moving Forward with Blended
Learning (BL) as a Pedagogical Alternative to Traditional Classroom Learning.
Malaysian Online Journal of Instructional Technology (MOJIT), 3 (1).
ONLINE REFERENCES
http://classroom.synonym.com/advantages-traditional-schools-3706.html
http://www.skilledup.com/articles/online-education-vs-traditional-education-the-pros-and-cons
https://arzelonline.wordpress.com/2012/06/25/are-traditional-teaching-methods-still-effective/
http://www.rasmussen.edu/student-life/blogs/college-life/online-vs-traditional-education-answernever-expected/
http://www.ijhssnet.com/journals/Vol_4_No_8_June_2014/12.pdf
http://monitor.icef.com/2012/06/8-countries-leading-the-way-in-online-education/