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Enriching Learners’ Learning Experiences through Virtual Learning Environments in Open University Malaysia
Get PDFOpen University Malaysia (OUM), the country’s premier open and distance learning institution has undergone continuous improvements since its establishment in 2000. This paper describes some of the initiatives designed by OUM to support these improvements. The paper provides an overview on the migration and implementation of a new e-learning model that have been executed and progressed since May 2010. This strategic move constitutes the development of web-based modules, e-schedules, i-lectures, online learning resources, online submission and grading of assignments. As do any implementation process of this magnitude, the progress so far came with constraining challenges. This paper further highlights these challenges, and concludes with OUM's provisions to overcome them. (Abstract by authors
A method for predicting defects in System Testing for V-Model
No full textPaper presented during 2nd Postgraduate Annual Research in Informatics Seminar 2012 (PARIS2012
Using QR Codes in enhancing learning in elementary statistics
Get PDFOpen 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
Social media - the web : the new hybrid for education enhancement
Get PDFThe emergence of internet-based social media has made it possible, in terms of space,
time and frequency, to communicate with hundreds or even thousands of other people.
Thus, the impacts of learning through social media has been greatly magnified globally.
As such, social media is a hybrid element of learning mix between traditional and
nontraditional sense. The content, timing and frequency of the social media-based
learning mode exhibits free flow of information and knowledge regardless of boundaries
and time. This stands in contrast to the traditional integrated learning paradigm where a
high degree of control persist. Thus, social media enriches learning and heighten career
prospects. For instant, the web helps institutions to refocus from teaching to learning and
from teacher to student. Current higher education need to respond : does it make
learning more accessible?, does it promote improved learning?, does it reduce per unit
costs of education?. The web provides educational opportunities at workplace,
community and home for those unable to attend college due to cultural, economic or
social barriers. That is starting to change as educators have devise new ways to
capitalize on web-based technology. Studies shows, through webs and internet tools,
working adults relish the opportunities to pursue their studies and demonstrated similiar
level of contacts and interactions as to regular classes. This paper intend to discuss
further the success, contributions and ways of overcoming the cultural, economic and
social barriers of higher education via the web. Deliberate on its implications as to
lifestyle, career developments and the way forward of higher education in the future to
cater for the working mass. (Abstract by authors
An EPiC Solution to Teacher Education : Working with Constraints
Get PDFThis paper focuses on explaining how the Faculty of Education and Languages, Open
University Malaysia (OUM) works around constraints and policies set by the Ministry of
Education of Malaysia (MOE) in its effort to upgrade the qualification of the in-service teachers
enrolled in the Bachelor of Teaching programme. In line with the government’s policy to
increase human capital development MOE introduces new elements which are to be
incorporated into the existing teachers’ training curriculum. For OUM it means finding
solutions to add another 15 credits to the existing programme without extending the duration of
the whole programme. To meet this new challenge, a new approach is needed to comply with
MOE’s requirements. Education Portal for Internet Courses (EPiC) is created not only to meet
the new requirements but also to add value to the existing programme. It is designed to virtually
extend students’ learning space and to provide full online learning and support. Its activities are
scaffold, assignments are task based and learning draws on students’ experience and personal
reflections. The whole environment is designed to be fun and promote active collaboration
between students and their online supervisors. (Abstract by author
Open, Distance and E-learning : global partnership and enhancing opportunities for all
Get PDFEducation is universally acknowledged as a basic human right. The attainment of education directly influences a country’s ability to participate in the global economy. It is thus unsurprising that higher education is unanimously considered the foundation for national development, and fundamentally needs to be made available and accessible to every individual. The notion of an accessible, affordable, equitable and quality education has often been linked to open, distance and e-learning (ODEL). Within the past several decades, ODEL has paved the way for an unprecedented number of people to access learning opportunities and obtain a university degree. While much has already been achieved in a relatively short time, the challenge at this juncture is to ensure that ODEL can overcome traditional obstacles and barriers to indeed make learning an opportunity for all. One of the mechanisms through which this can be achieved is global partnerships, where institutions can leverage on the openness and flexibility of ODEL to reach out to an even greater number of people and provide access to learning and education. This paper will explore the idea of education without boundaries as well as discuss partnerships in the context of various educational stakeholders, the advantages of partnerships and collaborations and how ODEL institutions can explore partnerships to create their own global brands. Finally, this paper will also describe how, as Malaysia’s premier open university, Open University Malaysia (OUM) has been able to make its own mark in the international arena
An Intelligent Process Model for Manufacturing System Optimization
No full textThe paper aims to develop an intelligent modeling system using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet interface through mathematical language, mathematical reasoning and algorithms flow chart technique for manufacturing system optimization without human involvement. The paper begins to search for a mathematical theorem which is arithmetic series to represent a dynamic manufacturing system in a production floor using production time variable through numerical analysis and is validated using software simulation. The mathematical theorem is modeled with Industrial Engineering (IE) variables into spreadsheet to perform intelligent decision making. The model sets inventory target variable to be achieved with automated computation through the data input from users. Manual analysis from human can be transposed to mathematical language in order automate the system intelligently. The building of intelligent modeling system into spreadsheet using mathematical language sets a new platform for researchers to promote the next generation of modeling technique in the manufacturing field. (Abstract by authors
Assessing nursing clinical skills competence through objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) for open distance learning students in Open University Malaysia
No full textBackground: The objective structured clinical skills examination (OSCE) has over the years emerged as a method of evaluating clinical skills in most medical and allied professions. Although its validity and objectivity has evoked so much debate in the literature, little has been written about its application in non-traditional education systems such as in distance learning. This study examined clinical skills competence among practising nursing students who were enrolled in a distance learning programme. The study examined the effect of work and years of nursing practice on nurses' clinical skills competence. Methodology: This study used observational design whereby nursing students' clinical skills were observed and scored in five OSCE stations. Two instruments were used for the data collection -- A self-administered questionnaire on the students' bio-demographic data, and a check list on the clinical skills which the examiners rated on a four point scale. Results: The findings revealed that 14% of the nurses had level four competence, which indicated that they could perform the tasks correctly and complete. However, 12% failed the OSCE, even though they had more than 10 years experience in nursing and post basic qualifications. Inter-rater reliability was 0.92 for the five examiners. Factor analysis indicated that five participant factors accounted for 74.1% of the variations in clinical skills performance. Conclusion: An OSCE is a necessary assessment tool that should be continuously applied in nursing education, regardless of the mode of the education program, the student's years of experience or his/her clinical placement. This study validates the need for OSCE in both the design of tertiary nursing degree programs and the assessment of nurses' clinical competency level. (Abstract by authors
Transforming learning through semantic e-learning experience
Get PDFSemantic 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
Web-based learning through mixed-initiative interactions : design and implimentation
Get PDFMixed-initiative interaction is a naturally-occurring feature of human-human
interactions. It characterize by turn-taking, frequent change of focus, agenda and control
among the “speakers”. This human-based mixed-initiative interaction can be implemented
through a mixed-initiative systems which are a popular approach to building intelligent
systems that can collaborate naturally and effectively with people. Mixed-initiative systems
exhibit various degrees of involvement in regards to the initiatives taken by the user or the
system. In any discourse, the initiative may be shared between either, a learner and a system
agent, or between two independent system agents. Both the parties in question establish and
maintain a common goal and context, and proceed with an interaction mechanism involving
initiative taking that optimizes their progress towards the goal. However, the application of
mixed-initiative interaction in web-based learning is very much limited. In this paper, we
discuss the design and implementation of a web-based learning system through mixedinitiative
system known as JavaLearn. JavaLearn allows the interaction between the system
(in the form of a software agent) and the individual learner. Here, the system supports the
learning through a problem solving activity by demanding active learning behaviour from
the learner with minimal natural language understanding by the agent and embodies the
application-dependent aspects of the discourse. It guides the learner to solve the problem by
giving adaptive advice, hints and engage the learner in the real time interaction in the form
of “conversation”. The principal features of this system are: It is adaptive and are based on
reflection, observation and relation. The system acquires its intelligence through the finite
state machine and rule-based agents. (Abstract by authors