Learners' ability, experience and perception of use of ICT in learning and education: a comparison between open University Malaysia (OUM) and European Universities

Latifah Abdol Latif, and Ramli Bahroom , and Ng , Man San and Ahmad Izanee Awang, and Nik Najib Nik Abdul Rahman, (2008) Learners' ability, experience and perception of use of ICT in learning and education: a comparison between open University Malaysia (OUM) and European Universities. In: Agria Media 2008 And ICI-8 Information Technology and Education Technology Conference And Exhibition, 27-28 October 2008, Eszterházy Károly College, Hungary.

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Abstract

Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions have long recognized the need of their learners to participate in education programmes through a flexible delivery of instructions. One of the key elements of a flexible delivery mode is the use of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in providing software applications and tools for e-learning. However, the potential of ICT will only be fully realized if learners have the ability and capacity to use them, and at the same time possess positive attitudes towards learning with ICT. The study aims to determine learners� perceptions of the use of ICT in learning at Open University Malaysia (OUM) by examining their abilities and experiences, with a view to identifying areas for enhancing the effectiveness of e-learning. Determining the competency of learners in their use of ICT applications is not an easy task; thus a survey methodology was employed, involving a random sample of 457 undergraduate learners. Respondents were asked to rate their own skills using four common software applications (word processing, presentation software, email and digital library). In general, the study found that between 39-56% of learners were able to use the four software applications on their own. In terms of experience, nearly three fourths of learners had used Online Forum several times, followed by Interactive Website and Email Support. With regards to learners' perceptions on the value of ICT and its potential role in education, the respondents held a fairly positive view of the different advantages that ICT can bring to learning. However, they also showed a relatively strong preference for learning with traditional method, questioning the value of ICT. Finally, the study found that ability and experience in the use of ICT are correlated with positive perception towards learning with ICT. A regression analysis found that the significant predictors of positive perception towards learning with ICT, with an overall R-square of 20% include: ability to use email and the experience of using MyLMS, online discussion forums and email support. This implies that in order to encourage OUM learners to use ICT in learning, it is vital to upgrade their ICT skills and provide them with the means to gain experience in e-learning through myLMS. The results of this study are also compared with that of the European Universities (SPOT+, 2004). (Authors' abstract)

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Uncontrolled Keywords: Ability; experience; perception towards learning with ICT; regression analysis.
Subjects: L Education > LC Special aspects of education > LC5201 Education extension. Adult education. Continuing education
L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
L Education > LF Individual institutions (Europe)
Depositing User: Shahril Effendi Ibrahim
Date Deposited: 10 Apr 2009 01:28
Last Modified: 16 Jun 2013 01:07
URI: http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/id/eprint/89

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