Sharifah Sariah Syed Hassan

The Use of Social Networks Sites (SNSs) among University Students: How Far do They Learn

The study investigated the pedagogical naffordances of SNS and its relationship on student engagement. nA sample of 300 students responded to this quantitative nresearch using a self constructed questionnaire. The nhypothesized model has been tested to determine the nrelationships between pedagogical affordances and student nengagement. This model underpins the theory of constructivist nof interactions that promote learning; connectivity and ncollaboration through Web 2.0 technology. Using Multiple nRegression Analysis, the model is able to explain the significant nrelationships of connectivity, assessment and feedback and ncollaboration in predicting student engagement when learning nvia SNS. The implications of the study are discussed based on ntheory, practical importance and methodology of research.

Predicting Actual Use of Mobile Technology in Learning: Towards E-Learning Culture Framework

With the advent of communication technology evolution, learning becomes flexible and accessible at any time and anywhere. Educational technology researchers have extensively integrated the Theory of Acceptance Model (TAM) and Theory of Planned Behavior to link the beliefs and actions in mobile learning. This study attempted to predict a hypothesized model of mobile learning culture via smart phone. In this present study, the m-learning culture is conceptualized from the factors of attitude, ethical use, technology competent; technology reliance and social well being. Social well being from the perspectives of The Adaptive Structuration has been nintegrated to underpin the study. 185 samples were drawn from the population of Korea University. Using self constructed questionnaire for the survey, the analyses involved descriptive and simultaneous Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA). The study was supported by qualitative design via interviews. The findings indicate all predictors are significant except for technology reliance and ethical use. Social well being is the highest predictor for the m-learning via smartphone. This study has been explored from both quantitative and qualitative research which provide important empirical information to support m-learning culture and its predictors. nThe findings have contributed to a model of m-learning which extends the literature and existing models of TAM and Theory of Planned Behavior

The Roles of Administrators in Distance Education Programme: A Case at Higher Learning Institutions

This study examined the role of administrators in facilitating instructors and students of distance education proframme (DEP) to the use of effective communication tools of the present digitized environment. Administrators / coordinators of DEP were purposively selected from three difference universities in Malaysia. Their responses from interviews had been transcribed and coded. Students feedback and monitoring activities on Learning Management System (LMS) were also collected and analyzed. Findings suggest that administrators did not consider certificate or experience in distance learning while recruiting instructors to teach in DEP. Instead, they perceived that university lecturers from the conventional programme should be able to fulfill course learning outcomes designed for the DEP. Evidence had shown that administrators bureaucratic decision in mandating LMS with grade attached, seemed to deter lecturers from using effective communication tools such as emails and facebook. When asked on plans to improve the administration of DEP, the administrators mentioned that training has really helped lecturers to improve their content delivery skills. It is concluded that the circumstantial or semester training through LMS which involved training among lecturers who are new in the e-learning environment is inadequate. The monitoring of DEP through the LMS is recommended to be focused on upgrading communication practices as well as attitudes among lecturers for effective online instructions which are critical to the eventual achievement of the DEP learners.