Learning Net
OER talked to Karim Rahemtulla of Knowledge Oasis Muscat-based
Infocomm company, about the future of e-learning, the barriers it faces and how it can help meet the growing training needs of Oman’s public and private sectors

How do you define e-learning?
In simple terms, e-learning is the practice of effectively and efficiently using technology to aid the learning process. It’s been around for a while but has really come into its own over the last few years and now I think we can conservatively say that over 30 per cent of all training is done online. Recently, one US company saw a 300 per cent increase in the number of downloads of recorded lectures via Podcast and Webcast in a three-month period and I think this gives a very typical picture of how things are going.

What have been the major barriers to greater uptake of e-learning in Oman?
One thing that can be a barrier to e-learning is the initial costs in setting up programmes from scratch. These can be substantial and may act as a deterrent. However, once the initial investment has been made, then the returns are huge – not only in terms of cost-effectiveness but also in terms of learning outcomes, in terms of reach, in terms of improved job performance, and let’s not forget job satisfaction. I think many people these days take continuous professional development for granted and e-learning is a great way of delivering it, of being able to offer more choices and at a cost that is viable.
E-learning has economies of scale; the more people take up the courses, the cheaper they get.

Of course, the lack of familiarity with technology initially held things back in Oman – this was also true worldwide – but time and a generation that has grown up with computers and mobile phones are changing that. So things are very different now.

This is linked to another problem. Initially, as people didn’t really understand the possibilities of technology, there was the tendency to transfer classroom course material direct to the screen, or transferring existing “training manual” content to an e-learning form. Neither of these is particularly engaging and results in nothing more than a lengthy “screen-reading” exercise on the part of the student. In fact, they do not represent a proper e-learning experience at all. They’re far too inflexible. Understanding that the online environment can supply a far more immersive and engaging experience to the user is the first step towards a successful e-learning roll-out. Thankfully, this is very different now and what’s being used is really interactive and things like weblogs and videoconferencing are common, Just look at Second Life, that’s an amazing learning environment. E-learning is a whole new learning model, more in tune with the learner and his or her needs.

This brings us to the problem of lack of local content and here, with a bit of thought, a real difference can be made. After all, e-learning is about meeting the needs of the learner more exactly and there’s so much that can be done here, specially in terms of relating to local culture and in terms of materials in Arabic – which certainly will open up e-learning to many more people.

Of course, internet penetration and speed are still a problem here. We do need to ramp up usage of the web and its speed. Though if we’ve got attractive and appealing local e-learning content, then that is going to help drive this.

How do you feel Oman’s public sector can benefit from e-learning?
Cost is a major factor. E-learning is without a doubt a very cost-effective way of delivering training material to large groups of users, once it has been properly set up. An online repository can also ensure that everyone is up-to-date on training information and other relevant materials. Investment in e-learning will bring lasting benefits.

But I think you have to look at this question in another way too. A major constraint in economies of all types is the supply of well-educated people, that is those with the skills and know-how to meet the demands and needs of the knowledge economy. E-learning definitely has a role to play and I think it’s not a case of how can the public sector benefit but more a case of what will happen if it doesn’t take full advantage of it.

Do you think that e-learning is more readily accepted today?
If so, what do you think this tells us about the direction we’re heading to as a nation?
As a nation, we’re getting more and more dependent on accessing and receiving information on demand. Internet penetration is getting deeper and 3G internet access on your phone will not only bring the internet to more people, it will make the “anywhere, anytime” mantra of e-learning a reality for many more people. Today, folk in Oman bank online, book airline tickets online, pay their bills online and of course, check their speeding fines online. It’s only a short step to more people taking accredited courses online or improving our job skills online.

It’s interesting but unlike most places which have moved gradually on e-learning with a PC or laptop, I think in Oman the big leap is coming through mobile phones. Internet access through your mobile is I believe a big step forward for this country, and as this develops, you really will see an enormous growth in e-learning. Of course, it always comes back to the “Nintendo” generation – young people who know their way around technology.

How does Oman compare to other Gulf countries in e-learning awareness?
From a regional perspective, I don’t see any one particular Gulf country taking the lead in the e-learning space. The paperless Zayed University was a great initiative. The success of an e-learning project depends entirely upon a sensitive and well-thought out execution, combined with carefully crafted and managed e-learning content. I think over the next two to three years, we’ll see a substantial increase in the use of e-learning – in schools, colleges and corporates.

You have a particular interest in gaming and its application to learning – how do you see these two themes co-developing?
I was pleased to see that KOM has placed gaming and its applications to the learning environment on this year’s eGames Conference agenda. Without a doubt, some of the presenters will be talking about the fact that students are well ahead technologically and it is our role to keep up or stay one step ahead. Indeed, as I’ve already mentioned, it’s more than apparent to me that most Oman-based kids are swamped. In fact, they are immersed in an incredibly visually rich and technologically advanced world, of which in some respects we have a limited understanding. They have insights into technology that we can’t even begin to imagine. I think it’s our responsibility to harvest some of the gaming tools that kids are using. In a learning context, I really like the idea of kids being able to use the things they’re comfortable with, this can only enhance their learning experience, making it more meaningful and rewarding. It’s a win-win situation for everyone, the kids, schools, parents, colleges and eventually the employer.

Where do you think e-learning will be in five years?
By 2012, the majority of learners will see not only their PC but also television to gaming consoles and even mobiles as gateways to learning and essential tools for information gathering and communicating. The teacher’s role will focus more on ‘managing the learning’ rather than being the knowledge focal point. People are already talking about integrated and blended learning, and that’s a theme that just won’t go away.

One-to-one learning is already becoming the next big thing in the e-learning space. Community platforms are also becoming a norm, with group work across distances as simple as being in the same room and the transfer and broadcast of learning a systemic process.

Let’s see if we develop like Korea where e-learning is a real phenomenon. One particular e-learning provider there is currently trading at more than 20 times its estimated 2007 earnings based on market consensus and is one of Korea’s hottest stocks. And watch out for Korean-style superstar teachers, where some tutors have become celebrities with one popular English language instructor earning more than US$2 million last year!

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