Effects of thermal radiation in a thermocapillarity thin film flow on an unsteady stretching sheet

This paper examined the effects of thermocapillarity and thermal radiation on the boundary layer flow and heat transfer in a thin film on an unsteady stretching sheet. The governing partial differential equations are reduced to ordinary differential equations by a similarity transformation and hence solved by using Homotopy Analysis Method. The effect of thermal radiation is considered in the energy equation and the variations of dimensionless surface temperature as well as the heat transfer characteristics with various values of Prandtl number, thermocapillarity number, radiation parameter are graphed and tabulated.(Abstract by authors

A case study : constraint faced by Open and Distance learners

Malaysia aims to achieve zero illiteracy rates by the year 2020 and hence the concept of open and distance learning (ODL) as well as lifelong learning (LLL) were introduced in the Malaysian education system. Open University Malaysia (OUM) is the first ODL institution in Malaysia. Other than that, OUM was given the head start with the implementation of the flexible entry (FE) in Malaysia after the Ministry of Higher Education has create the way for greater access into the Malaysian higher education and lifelong learning opportunities in year 2006. The concept of ODL was well-received by the public. As at Jan 2012, OUM has approximately 107,000 cumulative learners in the system. Nevertheless, most ODL learners faced much difficulties and constraints in their quest to pursue their tertiary education eg. time management, motivation, basic knowledge etc. This paper discusses the challenges and difficulties faced by the ODL learners in Negeri Sembilan Learning Centre, Open University Malaysia. The data for the paper is collected using paper-andpencil survey and the results are generated using descriptive analysis. The discussions of this paper will be able to give an insight to the administrator in determining the ways to assist these learners and hence would be able to provide a better teaching-learning for ODL learners. It is found that the three main problems faced by ODL learners is the preparation of assignment and test, English language proficiency and time management. (Abstract by authors

Analysing students' perception on the effective tutors using fuzzy set of group decision making

This study is carried out to analyse learners' perception of effective tutors in Open University Malaysia (OUM) based on various criterion that we have identified. We analysed their perception using method known as Fuzzy Set of Group Decision Making Model. This method usually conducted in a multi-criteria environment, which mostly dependent on the subjective judgment of decision makers and is influenced by the uncertainty and vagueness of each individual preference. The model is proven suitable for quantifying imprecise information, reasoning and decision making based on vague data. This study aims to provide OUM an insight look and further knowledge on the attributes of effective tutors. It can be used as a rule of thumb when appointing external tutors. Effective tutors are vital in enhancing and achieving the objectives of teaching and learning process. The findings show that the proposed evaluation model allows decision makers to express their opinions about tutors' performance by using a more realistic qualitative and fuzzy decision making. It is a suitable tool that can assist decision makers to better evaluate tutors in order to select suitable and effective tutors so that teaching and learning process can takes place. (Authors' abstract

Nurturing Numeracy Literacy Via Online Learning: A Case Study on the Effectiveness of the Online Forum Discussion

Numeracy skills is one of the required skills in the Malaysian Qualification Framework (MQF) for tertiary education in Malaysia. Numeracy skills is recognised as one of the must-have daily skills because it develops logical thinking and reasoning strategies in one’s daily activities. Numeracy skills is a quantitative skill and living skill needed to solve problems and make sense of numbers, time, patterns, and shapes for daily activities. Having an adequate level of numeracy can improve many aspects of our life, including social life, education, and employment opportunities. Nevertheless, numeracy courses are also one of the most difficult courses and hence, it is vital to instill this skill for graduates. It will pose a greater challenge to adult learners in the open distance learning (ODL) environment. This study is carried out to explore the effectiveness of online forum discussion for Numeracy topic in Learning Skills for 21st century course (OUMH1603) using three essential elements in the online learning process – teaching presence, social presence, and cognitive presence. The outcome of this study will be useful to facilitate effective and quality teaching and learning processes for this topic. (Abstract by authors

Preliminary analysis: Engaging learning via new Web 2.0 medium - Facebook (Abstract)

This paper presents the use of online social network (OSN) applications, Facebook, as a tool for e-learning. The traditional e-learning medium in Open University Malaysia (OUM) is using the learning management system or learning portal called the “My Virtual Learning Environment” (myVLE), which is based on web 2.0 applications. If compared to Facebook, the myVLE is not really known to the public. Hence, we believe that the various features possessed by Facebook, such as facilitating online discussion, sharing links and resources, facilitating the conduct of Q&A sessions, uploading field trip/project photos and videos and much more, can be maximized as a tool that can empower educators and students to engage, interact, share and learn in an e-learning environment. Furthermore, Facebook is applicable to many types of devices ranging from personal desktop computer to mobile devices such as Smartphone and tablets. It is compatible with numerous operating systems and its features such as private group and event scheduling, are easy to learn and use. In this study, we used Facebook to investigate how our students feel about using this online social network for e-learning apart from the existing learning management system, myVLE. Most of the higher education institutions are discovering that new models of teaching and learning are required to meet the needs of a generation of learners who seeks greater autonomy and connectivity as well as the opportunity to experience social learning. Traditional approaches to teaching and learning are typically based on prepackaged learning materials, fixed deadlines, and assessment task and criteria defined by educators. However, today’s students demand greater control of their own learning and technology is a way to meet their needs and preferences. Thus, the aim of this paper is to explore how Facebook is suitable as an e-learning tool for students. It is not about replacing our existing e-learning platform (myVLE), but about collaborating and empowering students with more tools in e-learning to make them feel engaged and motivated, especially in distance education. Oncology Nursing students were used as the sample for this study. (Abstract by authors

A Comparative Study on the Effectiveness of Online Forum Discussion: Quantitative vs Qualitative Subjects

This paper compares the effectiveness of online forum discussion between quantitative and qualitative subjects offered to learners of Open University Malaysia (OUM). OUM adopted by OUM for its open and distance learning (ODL) comprises three components; self-managed learning, face-to-face interactions and online learning through myLMS to facilitate teaching and learning process. The nature of online learning requires high commitment from the learners, especially self-managed learning and collaborative online learning. Learning quantitative subjects such as mathematics or finance in a conventional environment is very demanding and it is difficult to grasp by a majority of learners compared to learning qualitative subjects such as management or marketing. The same problem existed in learning these subjects through e-learning. Therefore, interactions between the academic staff or tutors with the learners and also amongst learners are important. Thus, it is critical that quality and effective teaching and learning progression take place in online forum discussion. Community of Inquiry (CoI) is the most accepted model for online learning. The model as suggested by Garrison, Anderson and Archer (2000) stated that online learning occurs through the interaction of three domains: teaching presence, social presence and cognitive presence. Research findings indicate that there the mean score for all the three domains of CoI are relatively the same for both quantitative and qualitative subjects. Social Presence was the highest (mean score of 3.55 and 3.60 for BBPP 1103 and BBMP 1103, respectively) indicating learners are comfortable interacting with their peers via online forums. (Authors' abstract

Analysing the styles of thinking among primary school teachers

One of the focuses of Malaysian National Philosophy is the holistic development of individuals, which includes the ability to think in higher order. Teachers are the most important agents in the teaching process, so it's critical to pay attention to their capacity to teach students the skills. As a result, the purpose of this research is to examine teachers' thinking abilities and determine if there are any differences between genders. The Teaching Skills Inventory was completed by 266 primary school teachers in the Selangor area, and the results revealed that teachers use executive thinking skills. Despite the fact that both genders preferred executive thinking skills, a t-test indicates that male teachers scored significantly higher in all of Sternberg's suggested thinking styles. At the conclusion of the study, some recommendations for future research were included (Abstract by authors

Performance Levels and Perspective of Graduate Learners’ on Fully Online Learning During Covid-19

Open University Malaysia (OUM) is a leading open and distance learning institution in Malaysia that offers its programs in blended mode. The blended mode of learning comprises self-managed learning, face-to-face tutorials, and online forum. Through its learning platform, named ‘myINSPIRE’, OUM has successfully offered some of its programmes fully online. The outbreak COVID-19 in early 2020 has pushed OUM to offer all its programmes fully online, including programmes for graduates. Measures were taken to improve teaching and learning support online. Part of the efforts included having weekly e-lessons and e-tutorials, as well as online exams. Learners have been exposed to new learning experiences where they faced many challenges. This study is conducted with the aim to investigate how these changes have affected learners’ performance and their perspective towards fully online learning. A total of 143 post graduate learners enrolled in OUM under the Cluster of Applied Sciences participated in this study. The readiness for change model used in the study is based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The model applies perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use to measure user acceptance of technology. The findings indicate that overall, the graduate learners have an acceptable level of readiness for change and are able to adapt and continue learning online despite facing some issues and challenges. It was found that the performance of the learners pre- and post- lockdown seemed to be comparable. Nevertheless, there is a need to find ways to improve and better tailor the online learning environment for our adult learners so as to make their fully online learning experience more rewarding

Teachers’ model for teaching critical thinking in primary school

The general purpose of this study is to investigate the applicability of the teachers’ model for critical thinking in primary school to several selected schools. The model suggested several steps need to be fulfilled to promote critical thinking in the classroom. Thus, the study employed 25 primary school teachers to investigate their understanding of critical thinking skills and their techniques for teaching the skills. A training was given to teachers to help them improve their teaching techniques. Findings revealed that teachers understood the concept and were able to infuse the techniques in their teaching. They believed that the techniques were not new, but after the training, they are able to teach the skills more systematically. This shows that the model can be used in exploring the promotion of critical thinking and primary school classroom

Liquid Film on Unsteady Stretching Sheet with General Surface Temperature and Viscous Dissipation

We study the effects of viscous dissipation on flow and heat transfer in a thin liquid film on an unsteady stretching sheet. A general surface temperature is taken into consideration. The velocity and temperature fields are solved using the homotopy analysis method. The results show that the increasing values of the Eckert number can increase temperature distribution and the heat transfer rate