Driving e-learning towards ubiquitous e-learning

• Main Authors: Mansor Fadzil, Latifah Abdol Latif
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: LC5201 Education extension. Adult education. Continuing education; LC5800 Distance education
• Online Access: http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/680/1/Driving_e-learning_mansor.pdf; http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/680/
• Institution: Open University Malaysia

This paper reports the findings of a study that examined learners’ beliefs and actual usage of e-learning in an open and distance learning (ODL) environment. The constructs used include perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, computer self-efficacy and anxiety. The study was based on 438 usable questionnaires completed by a random sample of learners from the Open University Malaysia (OUM). It was found that the learners were generally receptive towards e-learning, evidenced by their low computer anxiety and positive perceptions for perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, computer self-efficacy and attitude towards e-learning. Learners also reported a reasonably high usage of various devices such as laptops, mobile phones, MP3/MP4 players and tablet computers for downloading study materials such as HTML modules, iLectures and iRadio learning segments. Through a series of regression analysis, the study found that learners’ perceived usefulness and ease of use, computer self-efficacy and anxiety had an impact on attitude towards e-learning. With regards to usage of e-learning, only perceived usefulness was found to be a significant factor. Learners also indicated that the top five most serious barriers to elearning were (i) technological and academic support, (ii) demand for time and effort , (iii) interface, navigation and platform problems, (iv) awareness of availability of the e-learning materials and (v) costs of devices and Internet access. In its drive to move the present e-learning to ubiquitous e-learning, among others, OUM will have to focus its efforts in reducing the impacts of these barriers and to improve further the usefulness of e-learning materials and technology. (Abstract by authors)