%A  Latifah Abdol Latif
%A  Ramli Bahroom
%A Man San Ng
%J ASEAN Journal of Open & Distance Learning (AJODL)
%T New Learners? Experiences in Using e-Learning Technology in the Open University Malaysia
%X As an attempt to reduce the high attrition rate among its new students,
Open University Malaysia (OUM) has been encouraging learners to
use e-learning technology and digital learning materials for their studies
and interaction with the university?s academic staff. This paper reports
the findings of a study that examined new learners? experiences at
OUM in using e-learning technology and digital learning materials. The
study was based on 438 usable questionnaires completed by a random
sample of new learners. The constructs used include perceived
usefulness, perceived ease of use, computer self-efficacy and anxiety.
The study found that new learners at OUM were generally receptive
towards e-learning technology and digital learning materials. Usage of
mobile devices for downloading study materials such as HTML
modules, i-Lectures and i-Radio learning segments ranged from high
for laptops and mobile phones to moderate for MP3 and MP4 players
to low for tablet computers. There is no significant difference in elearning
technology usage between older and younger cohorts. An
interesting finding of the study was that perceived usefulness was the
only significant factor influencing the use of technology while other
factors including attitude were not. Finally, the study found that there
are significant barriers to e-learning usage, principal among them are
technology and academic support, time, and accessibility.  [ABSTRACT BY AUTHORS]
%N 1
%K Attrition rate, ODL
%P 28-44
%V 4
%D 2012
%I ASEAN Journal of Open and Distance Learning
%L library_repository1069