Zuraidah A. Rahman

Computers in Distance Education: gender differences in self‐perceived computer competencies

Abstract This article reports on the gender differences in self‐perceived computer competencies among distance education learners at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Four aspects of competencies that are related to computer usage and its applications were studied; these were competencies in the usage of general computer software, usage of networking software, handling of computer hardware and performing computer maintenance. The results showed that there are no significant differences between the genders in terms of the competencies in the usage of general computer software as well as networking software. These are directly linked to the educational purposes needed to support and facilitate learning in distance education. However, gender differences are observed regarding competencies in their handling of most aspects of computer hardware as well as performing computer maintenance.

The Video Conferencing Learning Environment in Distance Education: A Study of the Interaction Pattern

This article reports on the study undertaken to elucidate the pattern of interactions in the Video Conferencing Learning Environment (VCLE) used as a course delivery mechanism in distance learning. The study involved transcribing the recorded course delivery sessions conducted in the VCLE for three undergraduate Physics courses. The model of interaction used in this study was based on the Oliver & McLoughlin [5] interaction model consisting of five interactive dimensions, namely, the social, procedural, expository, explanatory and cognitive dimensions across five combinations of dialogue exchanges between teachers, students and the class as a whole. The results revealed that there were high frequencies of two-way exchanges between teachers and students in the expository, explanatory and cognitive interactive dimensions. The implication of these findings in terms of the quality of knowledge construction and high level student understanding of the course contents will be discussed and elaborated.