Transforming learning through semantic e-learning experience

Semantic e-learning aspires to transform e-learning experience towards more productive and innovative learning organizations, since these emerging technologies allow defining a meaning (semantics) of learning materials, making it possible to fill the gap between human and machine understanding. The focus of this paper lies on a conceptual level, presenting the needs of semantic web technologies and discussion on fundamental component underlies to model semantic e-learning system namely metadata, ontologies, RDF and OWL. Finally, it highlights the significance of semantic e-learning implementation in transforming learning to another level of learning experience

The Expansion of Open University Of Malaysia Through International Collaboration

Quality of the programmes and recognition of the provider open up opportunities for higher education expansion regardless of location or nationality. This expansion is pertinent to adapt to the growing demand for international education from the changing nature of the global economy and labour market. As such, it is the interest of this paper to discuss how Open University Malaysia expands its higher educational programmes via collaboration with international partners. Additionally, the paper discusses the function of the International Operation office in managing the operational activities and sustainability of the collaboration. Furthermore, a number of challenges that have surfaced in the collaboration are described and addressed for effective operations management. This paper is deemed valuable for all higher education providers who are optimistic about exploring opportunities for expansion through international collaboration. [Abstract by author

Learning Community for Postgraduate Learners in the Final Year Project Course of Open University Malaysia

The learning community approach offers a promising way to facilitate the learning process of postgraduate learners in their final year project course at the Open University Malaysia. This is important because the final project requires a substantial amount of commitment and needs to be carried out independently. Moreover, students often experience challenges that delay or prevent them from completing their projects. Therefore, integrating a learning community into the course to address administrative or academic matters with peers and faculty members assists progression and completion. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the learning community used by postgraduate learners for the final year project course. A survey was administered to 52 postgraduate learners and observation of the community site was conducted. The results were positive and encouraging, especially when learners tried to make sense of the learning community in order to be connected and motivated, to receive continuous support and to learn the required knowledge for the course. (Abstract by author

Capacity building through graphic design software usage in Open University Malaysia

In the rising economy and fast paced technologies, companies are finding ways to build the capacity of their workforce using cheaper or free technology solutions that can collaborate, share, develop the relevant knowledge and skills. This process is a priority in order to obtain, improve, and retain the skill needed to do their jobs competently or to a greater capacity. Therefore, the widespread use of open educational resources particularly free software seems to offer promising solution in capability building efforts of an individual or organisation facing constraints in the workplace. Thus, this study aims to explore the effectiveness of capacity building initiatives through the use of graphic design software for the targeted support workforce of Open University Malaysia. Accordingly, several workshops were conducted using graphic design software known as Inkscape. Furthermore, a survey was carried out to explore the awareness, perceived ease of use and intention to use of the Inkscape software. The results are very positive and encouraging, especially when the participant are able to create attractive design works and are willing to continue producing them at their workplace. (Abstract by authors

New challenges for eLearning : supporting learning content through semantic web technology

Nowadays, the web has become an important learning platform. Its accessibility has made it a successful environment particularly for eLearning education. However, the emerging technology of the Semantic Web sets out challenges that need to be explored in bringing the eLearning platform to the next level. This paper discusses the potential of semantic technology for supporting learning content in the eLearning environment. A conceptual model is referred to present the idea of learning content development through semantic web technology in the educational context. Furthermore, the ontological development model describes the process involved in building concepts and ontologies from learning content. Lastly, this paper also explains the impacts of semantic technology that contribute to the changes of a longer-term aim of eLearning education. (Author's abstract

Evaluation of final year master’s project course learning outcomes in open university Malaysia

Learning outcomes are statements on what students should know, understand and can do upon successful completion of a course. Achievement of the learning outcomes is an important criterion for a programme to be awarded with an accreditation qualification by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). Evidence from teaching and learning evaluation needs to be justified to demonstrate that the learning outcomes have been achieved. In line with this direction, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the learning outcomes of final year master’s project according to course learning outcome and learning domain determined by MQA. This evaluation is carried out by analysing supervisor’s feedback on their supervised student and student feedback themselves. The survey instruments were administered for postgraduate learners in the academic session of 2018, measuring to what extent that course completion has met the learning outcomes and fulfil the learning domain skills required. To strengthen the evidence, result obtained from master’s project report awarded by supervisors and reviewers were compared according to report chapters, programme and learning outcomes perceived. The findings were discussed to highlight the concern, strength and weakness from the evaluation made. Several recommendations for continuous improvement and support were proposed to influence the quality of the course and achievement of the learning outcomes

Evaluation of master’s project course learning Outcomes at Open University of Malaysia

Learning outcomes are statements on what learners should know, understand and be able to do upon successful completion of a course. Achievement of learning outcomes is an important criterion for a programme to be accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency. Evidence from teaching and learning evaluation needs to demonstrate that the learning outcomes have been achieved. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the learning outcomes of a final year master’s project according to the course learning outcomes and learning domains determined by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency. This evaluation is carried out by analysing the feedback provided by supervisors and learners. The survey which was administered for postgraduate learners in the academic session of 2018, measured to what extent the completion of the course met the learning outcomes and fulfilled the learning domain skills stipulated. To strengthen the evidence, the results obtained from the master’s project report awarded by supervisors and reviewers were compared according to chapters, programme and learning outcomes. The findings were discussed to highlight concerns, strengths and weaknesses based on the evaluation. Several recommendations for continuous improvement and support were proposed to improve the quality of the course and achievement of the learning outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHORS

Harnessing Learners' Insight of Online Courses and Learning Management System

The frequency of online courses using web-based learning has continued to increase in terms of demand and access. However the effectiveness of online courses particularly in relation to individual learners’ needs, perceptions, performance and outcomes are sometimes being questioned. To support for a successful learning system, this study will harness learners’ insight of online courses and learners’ use of learning management system (LMS). Much of this study is based on learner insights of the quality and quantity of their interactions and learning experiences using LMS and social presence in online courses. Only by understanding learners’ insights can we develop strategies or guidelines for creating a more inclusive and effective LMS and online courses. This study was conducted on 224 respondents from the Faculty of Information Technology and Multimedia Communication, Open University Malaysia. This study allows for learners’ feedback and an opportunity for the institution to improve the learning system and nurture e-learning. (Authors' abstract

Employability Competencies: Employer Expectations and Employer Satisfaction of Open University Malaysia's Graduates

Objectives of the Study The objectives of the study were to: (1) Find out the level of importance attributed by employers to the various employability competencies; (2) Find out the extent to which the employers are satisfied with OUM graduates' competencies; (3) Examine the extent to which the level of employer satisfaction differs from the level of importance attributed to the competencies; and (4) Examine the strengths and opportunities for improvement of OUM graduates with regard to employability competencies

Ontological structure representation in reusing ODL learning resources

The purpose of this paper is to reuse learning resources from course module and forum discussion in ODL settings and structure it with ontological representation. Design/methodology/approach Thus, an ontology is designed by extending simple knowledge organization system specification to structure the learning resources. Furthermore, a semantic forum system is proposed as a front end mechanism to represent the ontological structure designed for the learner to easily access, search and navigate the relevant knowledge of interest. In addition, this study evaluates the effectiveness of the proposed system along with three variables, namely, learners’ perceptions, system design perceptions and system content perceptions. Accordingly, a close-ended online survey was developed and administered to 74 online learners. Findings The findings demonstrate positive perceptions of the proposed system which is based on ontological representation as an effective learning system that is able to enhance the understanding of courses taught. Originality/value This paper presents an ontological structure approach to add meaning to the learning resources, indexed in such a way that it can be reused, searched, processed and shared