Strengths and Weaknesses of Education 4.0 in the Higher Education Institution

Abstract

The Malaysian Higher Education has implemented an education 4.0 program in line with the 4th industrial revolution. The education 4.0 program is aimed at providing graduates with the capabilities and competencies required by the digital-driven industry. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of education 4.0 in Malaysia education industry. Lectures in a selected organisation are chosen for data collection purposes. Data was collected through interviews and. Data obtained through interviews and focus group discussions session is analysed using content and analytic induction analysis. Data are sorted and categorised into themes to theorized the strengths and weaknesses of Education 4.0 in Malaysia. The findings of this study found that education 4.0 creates an opportunity for educators to engage in new technology tools and it enhances the knowledge of the educators on technology more in depth. It also helps lecturers and students to enhance their knowledge & usage of technology in depth. In addition, it promotes the development of technology classroom into the 21st century skills. However, there is high resistance to change in adapting and shift the mind set of lecturers towards adopting technology-based education as it can limit the engagement or involvement of an educator with the students. Technology is also found to be disconnecting learners from the real world. This study provides insights of the strengths and weaknesses of education 4.0 to the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia and to the academics so that strategies in maximising the strengths and strategies in overcoming the weaknesses of education 4.0 can be developed