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Evaluation of OUM module content : a pilot study
Get PDFThe module (print or digital) is the main resource used by OUM learners to guide their learning. Therefore, the quality of
learning depends greatly on the quality of the module contents. This paper reports on a pilot project that was carried out to
evaluate OUM modules for the purpose of improvements. A survey was conducted to gather feedbacks from the users of
OUM’s modules which include both learners and tutors. The survey questionnaire seeks to obtain information on the
perceptions of the users on the quality of the modules from a number of perspectives. The open-ended questions of the
questionnaire also seek to gather information on the different types of errors in the various modules that need to be
corrected. Research findings indicate that OUM’s modules are generally well accepted by the users. There are however
several errors found in a number of modules. The study helps to identify modules that need to be enhanced. The study also
reveals that there are differences in perceptions between the tutors and the learners in certain aspects Some pertinent
differences are about the difficulty level of the modules, language used and learning outcomes. (Abstract by author
Mastering New Information through Facebook and a Discussion Forum: A Comparative Analysis
Get PDFThis paper investigated the effect of productive failure (PF) as
an instructional strategy in computer-supported collaborative
learning (CSCL) groups using Facebook and a discussion forum.
PF is an instructional mode design that advocates the delaying
of support for the learners during learning — the more they
struggle, and even fail, while trying to master new information,
the better they are likely to recall and apply that information
later. PF has been used successfully in the classroom. However,
it is not known whether the use of a PF instructional mode with
adult learners in CSCL groups such as Facebook and discussion
forums will produce such a positive effect. A discussion forum
is an important platform used to deliver teaching and learning
via the Web, while the use of social media, especially Facebook,
for teaching and learning has gained prominence lately. This
paper reports an initial study that compares a ‘productive failure’
instructional design in CSCL groups through Facebook and a
discussion forum. Five Facebook and five discussion forum
groups participated in the study. Both groups solved
ill-structured complex problems in small groups without the
provision of any support or scaffolding from their instructors.
The findings suggest that the Facebook groups produced a
variety of scope for discussion and deliberation for solving the
problems and were more successful in sustaining the discussion
compared to the discussion forum groups. Facebook groups also
had a higher critical thinking ratio than the discussion forum
groups. Based on these findings, the implications of a PF
instructional design for adult learners are presented. [ABSTRACT BY AUTHORS
Dimensions of the Malayness Construct: Scale Development and Empirical Analysis
No full textThe main purpose of this paper is to develop a scale -- the Malayness Scale -- to measure ethnic orientation among Malays in Malaysia. Measurement of ethnic subculture must be rooted in a construct that could capture the multi-dimensionality of ethnic orientation since past research points to the weaknesses in using a dichotomous measure of ethnic identity. The dimensions that capture Malayness included in developing the scale are values that are specific to the Malay culture, language, social interactions, and self-identification. Data were collected from adult respondents in Peninsular Malaysia. A stratified quota sampling method was used to ensure a diverse sample of Malays in respect to socio-economic background, gender, and age. This study follows the standard procedures for scale development. Each dimension included in this study for measuring the Malayness construct was tested for its psychometric properties and found to be valid and reliable measures. Implications of the study, limitations and directions for future research are discussed and suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR
Approximate Analytical Solutions for Mathematical Model of Tumour Invasion and Metastasis Using Modified Adomian Decomposition and Homotopy Perturbation Methods
No full textThe modified decomposition method (MDM) and homotopy perturbation method (HPM) are applied to obtain the approximate solution of the nonlinear model of tumour invasion and metastasis. The study highlights the significant features of the employed methods and their ability to handle nonlinear partial differential equations. The methods do not need linearization and weak nonlinearity assumptions. Although the main difference between MDM and Adomian decomposition method (ADM) is a slight variation in the definition of the initial condition, modification eliminates massive computation work. The approximate analytical solution obtained by MDM logically contains the solution obtained by HPM. It shows that HPM does not involve the Adomian polynomials when dealing with nonlinear problems. (Abstract by authors
Pilot study to develop a problem based learning environment for open distance learners
Get PDFThis action research examines the online Problem based learning (PBL) designed for one of the courses in the Bachelor of
Project and Facility Management offered at Open University Malaysia. The main aim of this study was to explore the
constraints of implementing PBL and to look for possible interventions during class tutorial sessions. Within the
constraints of students’ attendance and the limitation of time, this project was conducted and monitored using the action
research methodology. The participants were students who attended the Facilities, Planning and Design course and they
were divided into two groups consisting of five members in each group. Observations and reflections from the students and
facilitator were recorded for ten weeks. At the end of the research, the facilitator developed the guidelines to introduce and
conduct the PBL environment for this particular course. (Abstract by authors
A comparative study on the persistency and performance of flexible and normal entry learners
Get PDFFlexible entry system which has been implemented at OUM has widened opportunities to many people whom did not fulfil
basic entry requirements to further their studies at higher level. Through flexible entry, individuals who have less
qualification are now able to use their prior learning and work experience for admission into the University. At the
University, learners who came in through Flexible Entry (FE) are given the same treatment as those who came in through
Normal Entry (NE). The need to compare the persistency and performance for these groups of learners are important to the
University as it provides indication on learners’ persistency and their academic performance so that necessary intervention
can be taken. The study was conducted based on secondary data derived from the Admission and Record Unit and the
Assessment and Examination Division of OUM. (Abstract by authors
Determinant of student loyalty in an open distance learning institution
Get PDFUniversity students’ loyalty is a key factor that contributes to the long term growth and survival of a university. The aim of
this research is to develop a comprehensive university student loyalty model that incorporates important constructs in
service quality dimension and relationship quality dimension. The study sample comprised of 2068 respondents who are
undergraduate students from an open distance learning institution. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) through principal
component technique with varimax rotation of the 48 items questionnaire from four constructs was able to account for
79.27% for the variance in student loyalty. The proposed model was empirically tested to validate the framework.
Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to test the significance of relationship between the constructs in the
instrument. Results confirmed that all path coefficients reflecting the relationship between constructs are statistically
significant. Students’ loyalty is significantly influenced by trust, emotional commitment and satisfaction. Path analysis
suggests that service quality impacts loyalty through satisfaction, trust and emotional commitment. In this study, it is seen
clearly that customers’ satisfaction plays the role of mediator in the effects of service quality on student loyalty. The path
analysis also confirmed that trust and emotional commitment have direct effects on loyalty. Hence, acquiring students’
satisfaction through quality services, building trust and emotional commitment are import aspects in securing students’
loyalty. (Abstract by authors
Towards vision 2020 : lifelong learning as a third pillar in human capital development
Get PDFA keynote address by YBhg Prof Tan Sri Anuwar Ali in National Seminar In Lifelong Learning (NSLLL2014
A case study : using choice experiment in an open distance learning
Get PDFThere are approximately 62 private higher education providers in Malaysia as on May 2014. Among them, there are
several institutions offer the open and distance (ODL) mode of teaching and learning pedagogy. Due to the ODL flexibility
mode, there has been quite a stir of competition in the education industry. Learners of ODL tend to be more challenging to
fulfill their needs as they have other commitments in life, hence the ODL mode to be chosen. Therefore, the ODL education
institution need to able to read and provide the necessary needs to these learners. The aim of this study is to investigate the
attributes that contributes to choosing an ODL private higher education institution in Malaysia and to explore the
consumer behavior in the area of student choice, and consumers’ willingness-to-pay price. Although there are studies on
the attributes that influence student choice of a university, but has failed to use the choice experiment theory to examine the
attributes that influence choice of course particularly an ODL mode. The sample population was 320 using face-to-face
interview. The results would be able to introduce the right marketing strategy for the institution in Malaysia. (Abstract by author
Validating the Student Loyalty Model for an Open Distance Learning Institution
Get PDFUniversity students’ loyalty is a key factor that contributes to the
long term growth and survival of a university. The aim of this
research is to develop a comprehensive university student
loyalty model that incorporates important constructs in service
quality dimension and relationship quality dimension. The study
sample comprised of 2068 respondents who are undergraduate
students from an open distance learning institution. Exploratory
factor analysis through principal component technique with
varimax rotation of the 48 items questionnaire from four
constructs was able to account for 79.27% for the variance in
student loyalty. The proposed model was empirically tested to
validate the framework. Structural Equation Modeling was
employed to test the significance of relationship between the
constructs in the instrument. Results confirmed that all path
coefficients reflecting the relationship between constructs are
statistically significant. Students’ loyalty is significantly influenced
by trust, emotional commitment and satisfaction. Path analysis
suggests that service quality impacts loyalty through satisfaction,
trust and emotional commitment. In this study, it is seen clearly
that customers’ satisfaction plays the role of mediator in the
effects of service quality on student loyalty. The path analysis
also confirmed that trust and emotional commitment have direct
effects on loyalty. Hence, acquiring students’ satisfaction through
quality services, building trust and emotional commitment are
import aspects in securing students’ loyalty. (Abstract by authors