Toward the Use of Technology and 21st Century Teaching-learning Approaches: The Trend of Development in Malaysian Schools within the Context of Asia Pacific

Abstract

ICT Infrastructure and internet connectivity in educational institutions provides learners and teachers the opportunity of adopting 21st century teaching-learning methods that promotes the development of 21st century skills. The availability of internet connectivity in particular provides the platform for a shift from the use of teacher-centered pedagogy (content-based learning) to learner-centered pedagogy (inquiry and project-based learning) that is more interactive and activity oriented. But are teachers utilizing these facilities to advantage? This study investigates the use of ICT and internet resources in relation to the use of 21st century technology-based teaching-learning approaches in Malaysia and Asia Pacific context from a global perspective. Qualitative research approach was used for data collection and analysis in the study. Findings from the study show a unique unexpected changing pattern in the use of computer and internet among school teachers; and new challenges associated with the integration of ICT and the use of 21st century approaches in classroom pedagogical practices were identified. As observed in the study, despite the facilities provided; the technological competence acquired by teachers; and, the increasing use of computer and internet by teachers; the approach to teaching and learning has not change as desired.