Engaging the Open and Distance Learners via Online Community to Increase their Commitment to stay
This paper presents the findings of the research on the various interventions implemented by Open University Malaysia and their impact on its learners’ level of Engagement in the Online Community. The intensity of the Online Community which is the result of the interventions was measured using fou...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Conference or Workshop Item |
| Published: |
2011
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/715/1/engaging_richard.pdf http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/715/ |
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| Institution: | Open University Malaysia |
| Summary: | This paper presents the findings of the research on the various interventions implemented by Open
University Malaysia and their impact on its learners’ level of Engagement in the Online Community.
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. These
variables were then correlated to two other variables; their level of Engagement and Commitment to
stay. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 1,500 undergraduate learners of Open
University Malaysia located throughout Malaysia. Results obtained from 1,116 respondents showed
that there was a strong correlation between Learner-Learner, Learner-Tutor, 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
concurs with many previous researches that reducing the feelings of isolation of open and distance
learners can help increase their level of engagement and reduce their attrition. (Abstract by author) |
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