No. 34, March 1999


Australia
Japan
Malaysia
Maldives

(News from the National Library of Malaysia)

The Connected Learning Community Model in Malaysia:
libraries' contribution

[back---contents---next]


Introduction

The Connected Learning Community concept was introduced by Mr. Bill Gates, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft Corporation in November 1995. Microsoft believes that one of the most important use of information technology is to improve education. The concept portrays a stimulating, enriched educational environment in which:  

*  All students have access to a PC and information online
* Each student is empowered to pursue an individual path of learning best suited to his or her needs
* Learning results not from access to information alone but from continuous, dynamic interaction between students, educators, parents and the extended community.
Objectives

The connected Learning Community objectives are as follows:  

*  To encourage participation from communities and stakeholders in life long learning in line with the Smart School initiative mission of providing equal opportunity
* To facilitate the optimize usage of technology in education
* To provide IT training for basic IT literacy for teachers.
Participants

The participants for The Connected Learning Community model include:  

*  Perpustakkan Negara Malaysia (National Library of Malaysia)
* Fourteen state libraries
* Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Secondary School, Shah Alam
* Sirim Bhd.
* Educators
* Parents
Libraries' contribution

Whilst teachers, students and parents have their own individual or collective role in this project, libraries are able to support the project as the following:  

* When Microsoft (Malaysia) approached the National Library of Malaysia to propose The Connected Learning Community Model in Malaysia concept in early 1998, the National Library of Malaysia delightedly welcome the proposal. This prompt response is primarily due to the readiness of the National Library of Malaysia and most of the state libraries to connect globally via Internet under the Jaringan Ilmu (Knowledge Network) project which was initiated in 1994. Jaringan Ilmu is a national information network system whereby the National Library of Malaysia and the Malaysian Institute of Microelectronics System (MIMOS) jointly undertake Research and Development (R & D) Programme to establish linkages amongst libraries, facilitate resource sharing as well as to encourage libraries to be the content providers via the use of IT. The existing telecommunication infrastructure and computer facilities in libraries that have been installed under the Jaringan Ilmu project, enable library patrons to navigate Internet for educational purpose. The Connected Learning Community Model in Malaysia will enhance and consolidate the Jaringan Ilmu project. The National Library of Malaysia and Microsoft (Malaysia) jointly agree to coordinate this project. The National Library of Malaysia and state libraries will be receiving computer hardwares and software donated by Microsoft (Malaysia) and Hewlette Packard Sales (Malaysia). Microsoft (Malaysia) also sponsors training of MS-Windows NT 4.0 and Web Page Development.
* With Internet facilities, libraries are able to develop local content in selected subject areas that are of great interest to library patrons. Under The Connected Learning Community project, libraries will be able to develop content creativity for The Connected Learning House Web Page. At the initial stage, all participating libraries agree to focus on developing four major educational topics that encompass Local History, Environment, Culture and Economic. The new role of librarians will also include as Web Designer, Content Author and Content Moderator. Content development will also include the digitization of local printed library materials.
* The National Library of Malaysia will also conduct training for the reference librarians to improve their information skills so as to provide excellent library and information services to library patrons. The Course content would include the hyperlink to other rich educational resources, packaging of information, planning for an effective user education programmes, etc.
* Over the years, user education has been an on-going programme for libraries. The training includes using either the card catalog or the Online Public Access Catalog, the introduction to various information tools and resources, etc. This programme will continue under The Connected Learning Community project especially for students and parents to effectively navigate Internet to enhance their knowledge.
* Under the Connected Learning Community project, the National Library of Malaysia will encourage the community to develop content. A Computer Club will be set up whereby the facilities for any computer training including Web Page development will come from the members themselves. The content provided by the community will also enrich educational resources in The Connected Learning House Web Page. A community forum via the Internet will also be encouraged.
* Libraries will also contribute in Education IT Week. Various programmes and activities will be planned to educate and to create awareness amongst parents and communities on Smart School and the usage of IT in education.
Conclusion

The Connected Learning Community model in Malaysia is to showcase the use of computer technology to enhance and promote teachers' creativity in teaching and creative thinking and learning skills by students. Student, teachers, parents and the extended communities could interact globally  to share information and knowledge. The Connected Learning Community project supports Smart Partnership approach by the Malaysian Government where private sectors work closely will the public sectors in national development. It is expected that by July 1999, approximately 500,000 users will be registered under this project. 
 

Norkhayati Hashim 
Director of Library Technology and Information Division 
National Library of Malaysia
[backcontentsnext]

All Rights Reserved. Copyright (c) National Library of Malaysia, 1999.