creators_name: Ng , Richard
type: conference_item
datestamp: 2011-11-23 03:58:44
lastmod: 2013-05-17 00:35:51
metadata_visibility: show
corp_creators: Open University Malaysia
title: Engaging the Open Distance Learners : a strategy to increase retention and improve graduation rates
ispublished: submitted
subjects: LC5201
full_text_status: public
pres_type: paper
keywords: Online Community, Engagement, Commitment to  stay, Learner-Learner, Learner-Tutor, 
Learner-Staff, Learner-Content, Feelings of Isolation
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)
date: 2011-11-14
date_type: submitted
pagerange: 178-187
event_title: The International Lifelong Learning Conference (ICLLL) 2011 
event_location: Seri Pacific Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
event_dates: 14-15 November 2011
event_type: conference
refereed: TRUE
citation:   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)  
document_url: https://library.oum.edu.my/repository/644/1/engaging_Richard_Ng.pdf