32 research outputs found
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