Self-managed learning of myVLE via CBT courseware

Open University Malaysia (OUM) is an open and distance learning institution which provides opportunities for lifelong learning. OUM continuously strives to improve and maintain quality programme delivery in the attempt to produce quality graduates. OUM has been using its own in-house developed learning management system called myVLE (my Virtual Learning Environment) to support lifelong learning undertakings. Since 2002, myVLE has gone through minor enhancements. In late 2013, a new platform was designed and developed with the aim for a more user-friendly learning environment besides providing an optimised online learning experience. The new version of the myVLE was released in January 2014, to be used only for six fully online courses. In September 2014, all courses offered by OUM were migrated to the new myVLE. With the migration and the introduction to the new functions of the new myVLE, it was necessary to make efforts to provide additional support to the learners and online facilitators for a smooth transition. To assist users in adapting to a new user-interface several incentives were taken which include: (a) the development of a learning courseware, (b) short online video clips, and (c) face-to-face training for online facilitators. This paper focuses on the development and use of the learning courseware which was instructionally designed based on ADDIE model. (Abstract by author

New challenges in online and distance learning: Making the jump from printed module to hyperlinked-integrated module

In recent years open and distance learning (ODL) has become widely accepted and implemented by many higher education institutions. ODL aims at delivering education to learners in a distributed learning environment. Ccontrary to general perception that ODL education signifies e-learning, learners in ODL institutions still appear to rely heavily on the use of printed modules. Current learning management systems in most ODL environment do not seem to have been very successful in promoting active constructivist learning. This paper seeks to analyze the needs of ODL learners as compared to conventional learners. Based on their differing needs, the authors identify the limitations of the conventional printed modules and propose elements that need to be included in the design of effective ODL learning systems. Following that, the authors suggest the development and use of hyperlinked-Integrated Modules (HIM) to replace the conventional printed modul. Some functionalities of HIM are discussed. (Authors' abstract

Lifelong Learning Opportunities For Elderly In Malaysia: Present And Future (Extended abstract)

Population ageing is one of the current global challenges. The United Nations Population Division (released at the end of February 2002), among its conclusions, highlighted that by 2050 the trend towards an ever elder population will affect every continent, not only developed countries. For example, this division estimated that the proportion of elder population is more than double from 10 percent to 22 percent globally. In addition, the number of persons aged 60 years or over will triple in 45 years’ time, charting a rise from the 672 million in 2005 to more than 2 billion by 2050. The statistical data on the observed and forecasted percentages of the elder population in selected areas, regions, and countries of the world for 1950, 2000 and 2050 is shown in Figure 1. Although the ageing population is not growing as fast as in other neighbouring Asian countries, Malaysia cannot be shielded from having to face similar issues and challenges. According to the 2000 Census, by 2020, 9.5 percent of Malaysia’s population will be aged 60 or over, which would be roughly 3 million of its population (Gavrilov and Heuveline, 2003). Therefore, it is imperative that measures must be taken to ensure that the elderly will lead quality and productive lives either through formal, informal or non-formal lifelong learning. (Abstract by authors

The Development of an Online Math Learning Resource and Support Center for ODL Learners

As an open and distance learning university and leading provider of flexible learning, Open University Malaysia (OUM) caters to its learners and strives to be learner-centered. There are continuous efforts to enrich the learning experiences of all its learners, whereby providing support to learners is one of them. OUM has been providing support in different capacities and in different areas, all with the aim of improving student retention. There has been a continuing concern with the success rate of learners enrolled in math courses at OUM. There may be several contributing factors including lack of preparedness and lack of basic math skills. There is clearly a need for providing additional support in that area to help learners improve their math skills and be better prepared, and in turn help increase their chances to succeed in their early math courses at OUM. Being an ODL institution, providing support online seems practical and by doing so OUM can reach out to its learners wherever they are and provide help whenever needed. This paper highlights the development of an online math learning centre to provide such support for independent study to OUM learners. (Authors' abstract

Using QR Codes in enhancing learning in elementary statistics

Open University Malaysia (OUM) offers its courses via a blended mode. Learners experience self-managed learning, which is supplemented by face-to-face tutorials as well as online learning through online forum discussions. OUM continuously provides support for e-learning through the use of web-based modules, CDs, i-lectures, i-radio segments, lesson plans, e-schedules, online self-assessment, digital library, etc. OUM has also embarked in mobile learning and has implemented the use of mobile messages in several selected courses. OUM intends to further expand its mobile learning efforts and explore the use of (Quick Response) QR codes for immediate access of learning materials. QR codes provide a fast way to link with digital and online resources. The convenience in transferring information to cell phones has contributed to its popularity in many areas including business and marketing, and to a limited extent in education. The use of QR codes seems applicable and attractive for the learning environment at OUM where learners are expected to be responsible for their own learning. The vast majority of learners are working adults, who are always on the move, thus institutional efforts towards making learning resources immediately accessible will make learning possible at the point of need. The use of learners’ own mobile devices means they are already familiar with the technology, eliminating technological barriers to accessing learning materials. An initial investigation on the awareness and readiness of OUM learners in using QR codes showed that generally learners are receptive to using QR codes in their learning. This paper describes an exploratory project that attempts to incorporate the use of QR codes as a supplemental instructional resource by introducing three specific examples of basic QR code-driven activities in an Elementary Statistics course. Three different types of content will be used to enhance learners understanding: text-based instruction, Uniform Resource Locater of video lectures (iLectures) and URL of self-test activities. The results are expected to reveal learners’ perceptions towards QR code usage and whether QR codes have any impact on learners’ performance. The constructs for the perceptions will include attitude, interest and engagement, while a quasi experimental research using a pre test-post test control group design will be used when examining learners’ performance. This study will form the basis for OUM’s future decision on the use of QR Codes in enhancing m-learning. 12th International. (Abstract by authors

Park Characteristics Influences to Physical Activity among Overweight Adolescents

The link between environmental characteristics of neighbourhood parks and adolescents’ physical activity is poorly understood. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the environmental characteristics of the neighbourhood parks that influence physical activity from the perception of overweight adolescents. In-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 overweight adolescents between 13 and 17 years old successfully done.  Interviews recorded, transcribed and analyzed based on a thematic content analysis. The results showed that physical and social environment influenced physical activity and neighbourhood parks usage. It is essential to consider these environmental characteristics in developing physical activity intervention that aims to promote physical activity among overweight adolescents.2398-4279 © 2016. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK.. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.Keywords: Environmental characteristics; neighbourhood park; overweight adolescent; physical activit

Evaluation of OUM's Web-Based HTML Modules from the Theoretical and Practical Perspective towards proposing an Improved Model

Open University Malaysia (OUM) is an open and distance learning (ODL) institution in Malaysia. It adopts a blended learning mode of instructional delivery which comprises three components: self managed learning using the print modules, online learning and face-to-face instruction. The self-managed learning component constitutes about 80% of the estimated learning time and the print module is the main resource used by learners to guide their learning. In the past two years, the University has been embarking on a major project of converting all its print modules to the web-based HTML modules. This research study was carried out to determine the efficacy of the web-based HTML modules as a self-managed learning tool. This research study research adopted a twophase approach. In the first phase, the modules were thoroughly examined by the researchers to determine the extent to which the web-based HTML modules comply with criteria of an effective learning tool from the theoretical perspective. The examination revealed a number of missing elements which are essential for effective online selfmanaged learning. Subsequently, a survey was conducted in the second phase to depict users' ratings (OUM learners) on the adequacy of the modules from the technical, interface-design, learner-support and instructional perspective. Design of Items for evaluating the adequacies were closely guided by the seven principles of good practice in undergraduate education (Chickering and Gamson ,1987). Research results reveal that that the web-based HTML modules are generally perceived by learners to be a useful self-managed learning tool. Pearson Product correlation calculated shows that the learners' perceptions on the adequacies of the modules have weak correlations with their competencies in ICT despite the fact that using web-based modules may require some knowledge or skills in ICT. T-test conducted also reveals that there is only slight difference between male learners and female learners towards the perceived quality of the modules. Examination form the theoretical perspective together with feedbacks from the users however help to identify some missing but necessary elements for effective learning. Based on the analyses, a revised conceptual framework for the design and development of the revised web-based interactive modules (WebIM) was proposed. (Executive summary

Learners' evaluation of HTML modules

A major step taken by OUM, as part of the continuous effort to improve its learning system and tools was the conversion of the print module, used primarily as resource for selfmanaged learning, into the web-based HTML modules. This paper describes the research which was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of OUM’s HTML modules from learners’ perspective. A set of questionnaire was prepared for the purpose. Subsequently a user evaluation survey was administered at OUM’s various learning centres. The analyses of the study indicate that HTML modules are generally well accepted by the learners. A t-test conducted indicates that the male learners rated the HTML modules higher than the female learners. Another Pearson correlation test shows that the ICT competency of the users has little effect on their perceived quality of the HTML modules, even though the modules are basically computer-based. Recommendations for improvements are proposed. (Abstract by authors