Driving e-learning towards ubiquitous e-learning

Mansor Fadzil, and Latifah Abdol Latif, (2011) Driving e-learning towards ubiquitous e-learning. In: 25th AAOU Annual Conference, 28-30 September 2011, Penang, Malaysia.

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Abstract

This paper reports the findings of a study that examined learners’ beliefs and actual usage of e-learning in an open and distance learning (ODL) environment. The constructs used include perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, computer self-efficacy and anxiety. The study was based on 438 usable questionnaires completed by a random sample of learners from the Open University Malaysia (OUM). It was found that the learners were generally receptive towards e-learning, evidenced by their low computer anxiety and positive perceptions for perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, computer self-efficacy and attitude towards e-learning. Learners also reported a reasonably high usage of various devices such as laptops, mobile phones, MP3/MP4 players and tablet computers for downloading study materials such as HTML modules, iLectures and iRadio learning segments. Through a series of regression analysis, the study found that learners’ perceived usefulness and ease of use, computer self-efficacy and anxiety had an impact on attitude towards e-learning. With regards to usage of e-learning, only perceived usefulness was found to be a significant factor. Learners also indicated that the top five most serious barriers to elearning were (i) technological and academic support, (ii) demand for time and effort , (iii) interface, navigation and platform problems, (iv) awareness of availability of the e-learning materials and (v) costs of devices and Internet access. In its drive to move the present e-learning to ubiquitous e-learning, among others, OUM will have to focus its efforts in reducing the impacts of these barriers and to improve further the usefulness of e-learning materials and technology. (Abstract by authors)

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