Engaging the Open Distance Learners : a strategy to increase retention and improve graduation rates

Ng , Richard (2011) Engaging the Open Distance Learners : a strategy to increase retention and improve graduation rates. In: The International Lifelong Learning Conference (ICLLL) 2011 , 14-15 November 2011, Seri Pacific Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. (Submitted)

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Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of the various interventions implemented by Open University Malaysia, on the learners’ level of Engagement in the Online Community developed through the interaction between the various participants; learners, instructors and management staff of the university. The intensity of the Online Community which is the result of the interventions was measured using four variables: Learner-Learner, Learner-Tutor, Learner-Staff and Learner-Content interaction. The learners’ level of Engagement and Commitment to stay in their programmes were also measured and a correlation was then established. Data for the research were collected from 1550 undergraduate learners of Open University Malaysia located throughout Malaysia using self-administered questionnaires. Results obtained from 1116 respondents showed that there was a strong correlation between Learner-Learner, Learner-Instructor, Learner-Staff, Learner-Content, Engagement and Commitment to stay. Multiple regression analysis carried out showed that the learners’ Engagement explains 72 percent of the variance of their Commitment to stay. This study is important as it will help future researcher to develop a tool to measure engagement of learners in the Online Community. (Abstract by author)

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