Government moots flexi system for higher education

PUTRAJAYA: The Higher Education Ministry is looking to implement a flexible learning system for higher education institutions.

Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said flexible learning could be done with the use of technology and also through emphasis on “gamification”.

“Gamification is an approach using games, such as video games, in the teaching and learning process that can make learning more interesting, interactive and engaging for students,” he said during his new year address here on Monday.

Idris said the flexible learning system would enable students to work after completing a semester of their studies before returning to study again.

He added that flexible learning had been used by community colleges in Malaysia since 2010 with positive feedback.

Idris did not give a time frame for its implementation, adding that the ministry would look at universities which were ready to implement it.

The Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA) also supports the flexible learning approach, with Idris announcing that MQA was given the mandate to implement the “Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) plus Credit Recognition and Transfer” initiative.

“This will enable all MOOCs courses from Malaysia and overseas to be registered in the Malaysian MOOCs platform and be credited,” he said, adding that credits could be transferred for the purpose of awarding certificates, diplomas and degrees.

Through MOOCs, students could enrol in other courses available in other universities under its platform.

“This initiative of crediting MOOCs will make Malaysia’s higher education more flexible and open, in addition to attracting more local and international students,” he said.

Idris also announced that students studying building and construction in community college would be building 50 low-cost homes for the poor using composite technology, with each house costing less than RM20,000.

The homes would be built in Idris’ constituency in Besut and are expected to be completed by the end of this month.