creators_name: Raziana Che Aziz, 
creators_name: Rosila Abu Zarin, 
creators_name: Chiam , Chooi Chea
creators_name: Norbaini Abdul Halim, 
type: conference_item
datestamp: 2011-03-31 00:56:52
lastmod: 2017-01-03 06:41:13
metadata_visibility: show
corp_creators: Open University Malaysia 
title: A Comparative Study on the 
Effectiveness of Online Forum Discussion: Quantitative vs Qualitative Subjects 
ispublished: submitted
subjects: LC5201
subjects: LC5800
full_text_status: public
pres_type: paper
keywords: online forum discussion ; Community of Inquiry (CoI) ; Open University Malaysia
abstract: This paper compares the effectiveness of online forum discussion between quantitative 
and qualitative subjects offered to learners of Open University Malaysia (OUM). OUM 
adopted by OUM for its open and distance learning (ODL) comprises three components; 
self-managed learning, face-to-face interactions and online learning through myLMS to 
facilitate teaching and learning process. The nature of online learning requires high 
commitment from the learners, especially self-managed learning and collaborative online 
learning. Learning quantitative subjects such as mathematics or finance in a 
conventional environment is very demanding and it is difficult to grasp by a majority of 
learners compared to learning qualitative subjects  such as management or marketing. 
The same problem existed in learning these subjects through e-learning. Therefore, 
interactions between the academic staff or tutors with the learners and also amongst 
learners are important. Thus, it is critical that quality and effective teaching and learning 
progression take place in online forum discussion. Community of Inquiry (CoI) is the 
most accepted model for online learning. The model as suggested by Garrison, Anderson 
and Archer (2000) stated that online learning occurs through the interaction of three 
domains: teaching presence, social presence and cognitive presence. Research findings 
indicate that there the mean score for all the three domains of CoI are relatively the same 
for both quantitative and qualitative subjects. Social Presence was the highest (mean 
score of 3.55 and 3.60 for BBPP 1103 and BBMP 1103, respectively) indicating learners 
are comfortable interacting with their peers via online forums.   (Authors' abstract)
date: 2009
date_type: submitted
event_title: International Conference On University Education 2009
event_location: INTEC-UiTM Shah Alam
event_dates: 8-9 Dec 2009
event_type: conference
refereed: TRUE
citation:   Raziana Che Aziz,  and Rosila Abu Zarin,  and Chiam , Chooi Chea and Norbaini Abdul Halim,   (2009) A Comparative Study on the Effectiveness of Online Forum Discussion: Quantitative vs Qualitative Subjects.  In: International Conference On University Education 2009, 8-9 Dec 2009, INTEC-UiTM Shah Alam.    (Submitted)  
document_url: https://library.oum.edu.my/repository/552/2/Effectiveness_OFD.pdf