Engaging the Open and Distance Learners via Online Community to Increase their Commitment to stay

Ng , Richard (2011) Engaging the Open and Distance Learners via Online Community to Increase their Commitment to stay. In: Open Conference Management System, 24 ICDE World Conference 2011, 2-5 October 2011, Bali, Indonesia.

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Abstract

This paper presents the findings of the research on the various interventions implemented by Open University Malaysia and their impact on its learners’ level of Engagement in the Online Community. 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. These variables were then correlated to two other variables; their level of Engagement and Commitment to stay. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 1,500 undergraduate learners of Open University Malaysia located throughout Malaysia. Results obtained from 1,116 respondents showed that there was a strong correlation between Learner-Learner, Learner-Tutor, 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 concurs with many previous researches that reducing the feelings of isolation of open and distance learners can help increase their level of engagement and reduce their attrition. (Abstract by author)

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