E-Learning in Singapore: A Brief Assessment

Abstract

Singapore is experiencing a rapid growth of e-learning and it was estimated that e-learning market in 2005 was around US $106 million. Adequate infrastructure, rapid advancement of ICT sectors, globalization and changes in demographic profile, increasing demand for knowledge workers, outsourcing, and government incentives are the major forces responsible for e-learning growth in Singapore. Educational institutions in Singapore have already adopted learning management system to create more effective learning environment. The Singapore government initiated many IT related policies in order to promote Singapore as a regional e-learning hub. The study shows that e-learning can positively contribute to the economic growth of Singapore in many ways that include cheaper acquisition of human capital, technology transfer, rise in productivity, and increasing social cohesion. It is expected that e-learning will help create a large pool of skilled work-force in Singapore essential for sustained economic growth of the city-state Republic.

Keywords: E-Learning, Online education, Singapore