[NOORAINON BT.

YUSOF-760404055588001]

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FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND LANGUAGES (FEL)

OUMH2203 ENGLISH FOR WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION

NOORAINON BINTI YUSOF

760404055588001 760404-05-5588 013-3040919 haname4@yahoo.com

TUTOR : PUAN FUZIAH BINTI MUSTAKIM

LEARNING CENTRE : NEGERI SEMBILAN

MAY 2010

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DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the work in this assignment is my own except for quotations and summaries which have been duly acknowledged.

Name Matrix No. Date

: NOORAINON BINTI YUSOF : 760404055588001 : 11/07/2010

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Putting together this assignment involved months of intense effort. I am therefore grateful to my classmates and friends who have contributed their time to complete my questionnaire without which this assignment will not be completed. A special thanks is due to my tutor Puan Fuziah Binti Mustakim for her invaluable

guidance that has enhanced the quality of this assignment. Other names that I like to acknowledge are my employer Encik Mohd Yusof Bin Sudin for his encouragement and my deepest thanks go to my best friend Mareza Binti Mohamad for his support and helped. I greatly appreciate their support and encouragement. Last but not least, my families especially my parents Haji Yusof Bin Jalil and Hajjah Noriah Binti Talib and my friends who have been tolerant with my preoccupation with the project and for their patience while this assignment was taking from, your understanding is more than I can ask for.

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ABSTARCT

In preparing this report for my assignment for this semester, I have given the situation where I am a Research Officer at Open University Malaysia. Open University Malaysia, in its effort to offer world class education is improving its open distance learning programmed to attract more students and to produce better quality students. I have just appointed to lead a research team survey and identify problem faced by students in their open distance learning so that measures can be taken by university for improvement. I have to submit a long report to my superior. I have tried to make a detail report of this situation and tried to focus on what is the main problem faced by students in their open distance learning. There are so many factors that the student are facing. I identify four main problems which financial problems, time management, technology and OUM facilities. I also provide the recommendations and the conclusion. The report, however, is a training ground where students like me develop skills on how to write a report in a proper academic standard that will serve through-out life. It is of my hope that this assignment cope.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION ACKNOWLEDGMENT ABSTRACT TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Objectives of the Study 2.0 Respondent Profile 3.0 Survey Findings 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Financial Time Management Technology OUM Facilities

i ii iii iv 1 2 2-5 5 6-8 8 10 10 - 11 11 - 12 13 14 - 15 16 17 - 25

4.0 Conclusion 5.0 Recommendations 6.0 References 7.0 Appendix 1 Questionnaire

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1.0 INTRODUCTION Open University Malaysia (OUM) is the premier Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institution in Malaysia. In Malaysia, provision of education is one of the important elements taking my government in order to become a fully developed country by year 2020. Established in August 2000 under a consortium of 11 of Malaysias public universities, its official launching on 26th August 2002 by our ex-Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. OUM opened its doors to just 753 learners in its first intake. In the past ten years, total learner enrolment has grown past the 70,000 mark. From offering a mere four programmes during its inception, OUM currently lists more than 50 programmes from diploma to postgraduate levels. OUM operate nationally through 61 learning centers dispersed throughout the country. Many working adults who otherwise may not have had the chance to obtain a degree are now given the opportunity to upgrade their academic backgrounds whilst juggling professional, familial and social responsibilities. Therefore, as one of its effort to offer world class education to the nation, a research was conducted to understand the relationship between students and their difficulties faced in their open distance learning, so that measures can be taken by university for better improvement.

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1.1 Objectives of the Study It is an analysis of the characteristics, qualities and effort of emerging learning institution that will help OUM to produce better quality students. The objective of this study is to measure examine the degree to which OUM is transforming itself into an opening distance institution. Furthermore, the specific objectives of the study are to: Identify the main problems faced by the students based on four main aspects that are financial, time management, technology and OUM service and support;  Identify the barriers that need to overcome in order to become a world class education institution; and  Identify the future improvement that should be taken by OUM. 2.0 RESPONDENT PROFILE The respondents for this study comprise of Open University Malaysia students from Negeri Sembilan Learning Centre. The survey was sent to 50 students at Open University Malaysia and 45 were returned and analyzed. The data of the respondent profile was presented in the Figure 1.1 below.

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Figure 1.1: Summary of Respondent Profile

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The distribution of the respondents is shown in Figure 1.1 where the gender distribution of the respondents is 66.7% female compared to 33.3% male. Most of the respondents fall in the age of 30 to 40 years old that contribute 64.4%. Majority of the respondents are married with 64.4% compared to single with only 26.7%.

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About 44.4% of the respondents from government sector while 40.0% is from private sector. Non-Executive contributes the highest position in an organization that is 44.4%, followed by teacher position with 31.1%. Meanwhile others occupation is the lowest with 15.6%. Majority of the respondents have the monthly income range between RM2, 000 to RM3, 000 that is 44.4% followed by below RM2000 contribute 40.0%. The highest academic programme taken by the respondents is degree programme with 34 respondents out of 45 respondents which is 75.6% followed by diploma with 10 respondents which is 22.2%. Master programme contribute only 2.2% out of 45 respondents. The main purpose of the respondent to pursue their study is to aim for higher salary and better benefits with 57.8% followed by 33.3% to upgrade and improve knowledge and skills. The lowest purpose of respondent to further their study because of encouragement by their family is at 2.2%.

3.0 SURVEY FINDINGS The survey focuses on four main aspects that are Financial, Time Management, Technology and OUM Facilities. 24 questions cover all of four aspects where the portion of the questions was as shown at Figure 1.2 below:-

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4 Questions

Financial

Time Management 7 Questions

Technology 7 Questions

OUM Facilities 6 Questions

Figure 1.2: Portion of question of 4 main aspect.

3.1 Financial The purpose of survey on financial aspect is to identify either financial is one of the main problem faced by open distance learning students at OUM. Data on financial aspects is present in Figure 1.3 below:-

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Figure 1.3 Summary of Respondent on Financial Aspect Based on the survey, 40.0% of the respondents pay their OUM fees using their saving or their own income. Followed by using Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP) or contribution by their own family 31.1%, personal loan or government loan from Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN) which is 22.2% and the lowest percentage come from sponsored by their employee or their company which is 6.7%. Majority of the respondents spent about 5% per month from their

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monthly salary their study purposes with 66.7%. 46.7% of the respondents said that OUM registration and tuitions fees are expensive; meanwhile 40.0% of them said it is reasonable. Majority of the respondents used their own car or car pool to attend their face to face learning at OUM with 88.9%.

3.2 Time Management Time management was chosen as one of the aspects in this survey is to identify how the respondents manage their time with open distance learning. From the survey we can see whether the student can coop the time frame that prepared by OUM or not. The data is shown in Figure 1.4 below:

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Figure 1.4 Summary of Respondent on Time Management There are 18 respondents or 44.2% spent only 1- 2 hours a week to study meanwhile 32.6% spent 1 to 2 hours to study in a week. The study method that the respondents

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prefer is to attend the face to face learning method or discussion with the tutor at learning centre with 35.6% followed by individual learning method which is 33.3%. High percentage of respondent agreed that they failed to manage their time for studying because of the commitment to their work which is 60.0% followed by family matters which is 22.2% only. Majority of the respondents have not enough time to participate in the discussion online with 66.7% and majority of them failed to finish their assignment within the stipulated time given with 55.6%. There are about 77.8% of the respondents faced difficulties in allocating their time between work and study which is very high range compare with respondent which can manage their time between work and study which only 22.2%. Meanwhile majority of the respondents like to do things last minutes with 62.2%. Finally, about 43% of the respondents found the main problem in managing their time is on work matters and 32.6% having a personal problem in managing their time.

3.3 Technology The technology data was shown in Figure 1.5 below.

Figure 1.5 Summary of Respondent on Technology -10-

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From the survey, we can see that out of 45 respondents, 35 have their own computer either desktop or laptop which is 77.8% where as the balance did not have the own computer. Majority of the respondent also have their own internet access either at home which is 71.1% followed by 17.8% of them using the internet access and facilities at the office, and the balance will find other alternative such as cybercaf to get the access. 33.3% of the respondents have a good knowledge in computer and 28.9% rate themselves as poor in computer knowledge and the same with the poor knowledge. 40.0 % of the respondents access OUM website at least 3 times a week, 35.6% before LMS Session closed and 17.8% access OUM website every day. From the survey also we can see that 62.2% of respondent did not like to participate in online discussion or forum. Majority of the respondents have no problem to serve LMS with 64.4% and 57.8% of the students used internet to study and look for information or reference for their assignment the rest will use manual method to study or look for information or reference for their studying purpose or assignment.

3.4 OUM Facilities The last aspects survey in this study is on OUM Services and Support. The data was shown in Figure 1.6 below. Majority of the respondents feels that service and support given by OUM especially the administration staff are moderate or satisfaction with 37.8% and 26.7% feels that the facilities are good. 57.8% of the respondents agree that the OUM tutors are very helpful. Meanwhile, majority of the respondents rank the OUM facilities at their learning centre are good with 53.3%. The respondents prefer the tutors to used Bahasa Malaysia with 62.2 % and 26.7% of them prefer the tutor to use mixture of both language for better understanding. The exam format that preferred by the respondents is assignment and subjective exam with 33.3% followed by subjective exam only with 26.7% and assignment only with 17.8%.

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Finally majority of the respondents belief that OUM is affordable and bring education to the masses with 37.8% and 28.9% of the respondents belief that OUM is Friendly and customer oriented.

Figure 1.6 Summary of Respondent on OUM Facilities

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4.0 CONCLUSION This study presents the conclusion of the survey findings in an effort to measure and examine the degree to which OUM is transforming itself into an opening institution. It is also to find any relationship between four problems which had been measured that is financial, time management, technology and OUM service and support. The respondents came from various levels of organizations and positions. The highest is from non-executive position group. The majority of the respondents also are married and most of them are female. Therefore this profile can relate to the time management aspect where 60.0% of the respondents difficult to allocate their time between work and study. We can conclude that almost of the respondent are working mother and wife and want to pursue their study to aim for better living. This also can relate to the financial aspect where almost of them taking out their own income in order to pay for their OUM fees. The results of the study also showed that majority of the respondents have their own PC or laptop and have an internet access at their home. Thus, OUM must take into action the issue of 22.2% of the respondents who do not have own any computer for their learning purposes. This aim also is align with government policy to encourage his entire citizen to be knowledgeable in information technology (IT). Finally, through this report we can conclude that OUM facilities toward the students are at average where 37.8% of the respondents feel that OUM service is moderate but not at excellence level. OUM should do something on that opinion. Therefore, OUM must change their students perspective so that OUM should become an affordable institution which can bring education to the masses.

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5.

RECOMMENDATIONS Refering to the findings of this study, the following recommendations were made:-

5.1

Financial OUM should implement the sponsorship programme with all the private sectors or international company such as Proton Edar Sdn Bhd, Perodua Sdn Bhd, NXP, ON (M) Sdn Bhd and etc. This can encourage staff from private sector to further their study and the fees can be sponsored their respective company. Therefore, students can concentrate on their study and did not to bother on financial matters. OUM itself can provide sponsorship to the excellent students who achieve or maintain their CGPA 3.50 above in order to help the student and also can encourage them to achieve high quality grade.

5.2

Time Management Students having a big problem to manage their time between study, work and their families and it are showed in the survey that 33.3% of the respondents like to study individually rather than group study. Therefore, in order to encourage students manage their time efficiently, OUM can implement the group assignment for selected module. This method can encourage students to have a group discussion and generate more idea on how to solve certain problems. Group study is good because each member can motivate all their members to be more efficient.

5.3

Technology In order to encourage all OUM students to be competent in IT knowledge, OUM should collaborate with TM to promote Streamyx UNI Pack Promotion where students are entitled for one netbook for free. Jill M.Galusha in his articles said:The student must also incur technology costs. If the internet is used, then the student must have access -14-

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to a computer, moderm, and associated software. Additionally, telephone charges to the Internet service provider will be incurred. Barriers to Learning in Distance Education,(p.8) Hence, this will encourage students to have their own computer at home and they can easily serve OUM website every day.

5.4

OUM Facilities As already know, majority of the OUM students are the part-time students with thousand and one of their problems and commitments. It is the duty of OUM management to provide optimum facilities in order to encourage them to make their studying time at OUM are affordable with their money spends for the fees. OUM should provide more computers at learning centre, more space for parking and caf since the student spend their time almost the whole day at learning centre when they have to attend the tutorial. All the facilities can make student feel comfortable studying at OUM. OUM have to make enhancement and improvement of the learning management system (LMS), i.e the MyLMS in order to attract student to use it.

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6.0

REFERENCES Berge, Zane.L and Yi, Ping.Huang(2004). A Model for Sustainable Student Retention: A Holistic Perspective on the Student Dropout Problem with Special Attention to e-Learning. DEOSNEWS. 13(5), 1-26 Dean, G.J. (2004). An introduction to adult learners: Nothing is for sure. Fieldnotes for ABLE Staff:, 1-11. Galusha, Jill.M (1997). Barriers to Learning in Distance Education: The Infrastruction Network. [Online]. Available : http://www.infrastruction.com/barriers.htm. [2008, October 12]. Smith, Keith Tylerh. (2006). Early Attrition Among First Time eLearners: A Riview of Factors that Contribute to Drop-out, Withdrawal and Non-completion Rates of Adult Learners undertaking eLearning Programmes: MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching 2(2),73-85.

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7.0

APPENDIX 1 QUESTIONNAIRE

Institute of Quality, Research and Innovation Unit, Jalan Tun Ismail, 50480 Kuala Lumpur Tel: 03 - 2773 2121 Fax No : 03 - 2697 8852

A SURVEY ON PROBLEMS FACED BY STUDENTS IN THEIR OPEN DISTANCE LEARNING

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION TEAM OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA MAY 2010

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Institute of Quality, Research and Innovation Unit, Jalan Tun Ismail, 50480 Kuala Lumpur Tel : 03 - 2773 2121 Fax No : 03 - 2697 8852

Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss/Madam, In its effort to offer world class education Open University Malaysia (OUM) is improving its open distance learning programmed to attract more students and to produce better quality students. We as a research team have appointed to do a research and identify problems faced by students in their open distance learning so that measures can be taken by Open OUM for better improvement. You may outsource very small percentage of this activities but this information is important for our research. We would appreciate if you could participate in this survey by responding to this questionnaire. Please take a moment of your precious time to answer this questionnaire sincerely and based on your experience. I would like to assure you that all information disclosed will be kept strictly confidential. No one will be identified in the report. To assist you in completing this questionnaire, please note the following: This questionnaire is preferable to be completed by OUM student. However, those who have wide knowledge open distance learning are also competent to complete this questionnaire. Please return the completed questionnaire by 20th Jun 2010. If you have any enquiries regarding this study, please contact: Noorainon Binti Yusof (Research Officer) at 013-3040919, email hanim4@oum.edu.my or research_innovation@oum.edu.my Thank you very much for your cooperation and your interest in the survey.

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SECTION I : RESPONDENT PROFILE Please tick () in the box that best represents your response for each of the statements or a rate your level with the following rates: 1. Age 20 - 30 years old 40 - 50 years old 2. Gender Female 3. Marital Status Single Divorcee 4. Type of your occupation. Government Private Sector Retired 5. Monthly Income (Average) RM1,000 - RM2,000 RM3000 - RM4,000 6. Position in your organization. Teacher Non-executive Manager / Executive Other(s) ___________________ RM2,000 - RM3,000 RM4,000 Self-employed Fulltime housewife Other(s) ___________________ Married Other(s) ___________________ Male 30 - 40 years old 50 years old

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7. Academic Programmed Diploma Master 8. Progress of your study now. Year 1 Year 3 9. Purpose to further your study To upgrade and improve knowledge and skills To move higher in my profession and salary Self satisfaction Encouragement by family Year 2 Year 4 Degree Others

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SECTION II : FINANCIAL BACKGROUND 10. I pay my OUM fees using _____ Saving / Own Income Personal Loan / PTPTN 11. My transportation to attend class at OUM Own transport Public transport 5% 15% 13. OUM tuition fees is _____ Expensive Reasonable Cheap Car Pool Other(s) ___________________ 10% 15% KWSP / Sponsored by Family Sponsored by Company

12. I spent at least ___% per month of my income for my study purposes.

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SECTION III : TIME MANAGEMENT

14. I spent around _____ to study. 1 - 2 hours per day 1 - 2 hours per week 15. My study method Group discussion Attend class Work Personal problem 17. I have enough time to participate discussion online. Yes Yes Yes 20. I like to do things last minutes. Yes No No No No 18. I manage to finish my assignment within the stipulated time given. 19. I face difficulties in allocating my time between work and study. Individually Online discussion Family Other(s) ___________________ 2 hours per day 2 hours per week

16. My main problem in managing my time to study is _____

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SECTION IV : TECHNOLOGY 21. I own computer / laptop at home Yes 22. My internet access facilities Home Cybercaf 23. I rate my computer knowledge as ____ Excellence Poor 24. I access OUM Website Almost every day Before exam 25. I like to participate in online discussion. Yes Yes No No 26. I always face problem when I serve my LMS or OUM portal. At least 3 times a week Before LMS session closed Good No knowledge Office Other(s) ___________________ No

27. I used internet to study and look for information and reference for my assignment. Yes No

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SECTION V: OUM FACILITIES 28. Services and support given my OUM especially the administration staff are _____ Excellence Poor 29. My tutors are very helpful. Agree Not all tutors are helpful 30. The facilities provide by OUM is _____ Excellence Poor English Both 32. The exam format that I prefer is MCQ Assignment only Friendly and customer oriented Affordable and bring education to the masses Based on profitably only Subjective Exam Assignment & Subjective Exam Good Moderate Bahasa Malaysia Not agree Other(s) ___________________ Good Moderate

31. I prefer my tutor to use ______ language during teaching.

33. In my opinion, open distance learning at OUM are _____

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34. In your opinion what should OUM do to improve its open distance learning programme to attract more students and to produce better quality students? ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

Thank you very much for your time and participation in this survey. If you wish to provide any comment or opinion, please mail to research_innovation@oum.edu.my

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