A Framework On Collaborative Learning Activities To Actively Engage Students In Learning Management System

Learning management system is an electronic learning platform to deliver, monitor and manage learning. However, past research showed less engagement among students in building knowledge because often times the students are treated as mere technology users. In addition, many instructors do not fully utilise the tools provided in the learning management system (LMS) and have use it only to upload notes and announcement. The purpose of this study is to introduce the implementation framework named Collaborative Learning Activities Framework (CLAF) into LMS that can help the instructors to fully utilise the tools in LMS by constructing collaborative learning activities. This framework also aims to increase students’ engagement in the learning activities provided. This study involves 119 students and 30 lecturers from Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), Melaka. The separate pre-post engagement research design was implemented to assess the effectiveness of the framework in increasing students’ engagement. These students were divided into three classes and their engagement is assessed for comparison between LMS learning environment without CLAF. This study implemented questionnaires, semistructured interview, structured observation rubric and pre-post engagement questionnaire. The study found that students show higher active engagement in the LMS with CLAF as compared to the LMS without CLAF. The assessment of the engagement is made based the elements of Engagement Theory. In addition, a training session has been conducted together with instructors to expose them to CLAF. After that, they were asked to answer questionnaires regarding their motivation towards the framework. The instructors showed good motivation to apply the framework but have requested for the design of the framework to be more interactive. The main findings of this study found that the CLAF design which is infused with Engagement Theory can improve instructors’ motivation to utilise the tools in LMS and engage students actively in online collaborative learning activities. The study also found that CLAF is able to helps instructor constructing collaborative learning activities more efficient. This study has contributed in constructing research instruments based on Engagement Theory

UTILIZATION OF LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION IN ENHANCING TEACHING AND LEARNING PROCESS

Learning Management System (LMS) usage help learning process to be more active and productive. However, instructors are not stimulated to use the LMS optimally in their teaching environment. This study was conducted to identify the utilization of LMS in a public higher education institution in Malaysia among instructors. This quantitative approach study, adopts mail questionnaire to 93 instructors at higher education institution. The tools in LMS examined were Groups, Chat, Forum, Announcement, Document, Wiki, Learning Path, Users, Exercises, Course description and Agenda. The result shows low percentages of utilization of LMS from instructors even though they have positive perception towards the potential of LMS in enhancing teaching and learning process. Besides, the study also found that instructors were not exposed much on usage of the tools in LMS. Hence, a suggested LMS framework will be constructed to provide guidance to instructors. Keywords: Learning Management System (LMS), tools, utilization, learning proces

Designing Collaborative Learning Wizard To Assist Instructors In Utilizing Tools In LMS

Learning Management System (LMS) offers lots of advantages; however it demands lots of responsibilities from instructors and students. Past researchers addressed that one of the barriers in implementing LMS in learning and teaching practices is lack of instructors' knowledge and motivation to utilize LMS in their teaching and practices. This study was conducted to design an assisted pedagogical agent named Collaborative Learning Wizard (CLW). CLW is to assist instructors to design collaborative learning activities by utilizing the tools found in LMS. Before designing the CL W, a survey was conducted to explore the utilization of tools in learning management system (LMS) among instructors in their learning and teaching practices in a public university. The results reveal that even though instructors have a positive perception towards the LMS utilization, however their level of utilization is low. The results also show that instructors do not have sufficient time to explore the available tools in LMS in order to utilize them in the appropriate ways. Thus, this study proposed a CL W which aims to facilitate instructors in utilizing the tools found in the LMS. The wizard provides guidance for instructors in the construction of learning activities using the existing tools found in LMS. Thus, LMS tools can be utilized optimally and students' performance will be enhanced at the same time