OLELT (ONLINE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TRAINING) AS A TOOL TO PROPAGATE LIFELONG LEARNING CULTURE AMONG EDUCATORS: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES 1

The rapid development of e-learning in most public and private higher institutions in Malaysia leads to a growing demand for lecturers to be well-versed in web-based applications for teaching and learning. This challenges some fundamental issues in education as lecturers now have to change the way they think and work. This paper presents the results of a case study on self-directed learning experience in an on-line English Language training program known as Online English Language Training (OLELT) to help students improve their English Language proficiency. The instruments used to measure the learning experience are observations and in-depth interviews. Data from in-depth interviews and observation from ten lecturers from various disciplines in a public university can provide an insight in developing an effective online English Language Training for lecturers to propagate life-long adult learners and to foster creative and critical professional adult learners. The results of this research found that online training is efficient, cost-effective, and motivating if it is properly planned and designed according to the needs of the users. It also promotes lifelong learning culture among educators. However, there are barriers and constraints faced by the participants that need to be addressed.