Malathi Letchumanan and Balakrishnan Muniandy
This pilot study aims to understand how mathematics postgraduate students use mobile e-books for learning activities.
Abstract
Purpose
This pilot study aims to understand how mathematics postgraduate students use mobile e-books for learning activities.
Design/methodology/approach
The research uses qualitative methodology. It uses interview and document review methods to collect data relevant to the study.
Findings
The mathematics postgraduate students use mobile e-books mostly to find information for their research activities. Both the participants have different reading patterns. However, they use the mobile e-book to obtain the same benefit.
Research limitations/implications
The results of the study could not be generalized, as it used qualitative methodology.
Originality/value
This pilot study explains how mathematics postgraduate students use mobile e-books for their learning activities. This is a qualitative study. Hence, it is able to add value to the mobile e-book studies that are lacking qualitative viewpoints.
Details
Keywords
Fei Ping Por and Balakrishnan Muniandy
To continue to stay relevant in the era of Industry Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) alongside the unprecedented disruption of COVID-19, the importance of lifelong learning is indisputable…
Abstract
Purpose
To continue to stay relevant in the era of Industry Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) alongside the unprecedented disruption of COVID-19, the importance of lifelong learning is indisputable though this concept has existed for decades. In this context, open and distance learning (ODL) institutions are urged to re-think and re-design their online learning support systems that inculcate self-regulated lifelong learning (SR3Ls) in their learners to be adaptable and resilient for the post-pandemic economy. The purpose of this paper is to develop a SR3Ls model, namely SR3Ls model by utilising the collective opinions of a panel of experts to determine the key domains and attributes.
Design/methodology/approach
A 2-round Delphi consensus study was conducted with 39 experts from five countries. The mean, standard deviation (SD), inter-quartile range (IQR) and the ratio of experts assigned score of 4 or greater were used as the basis of consensus assessment with criteria set at mean = 3.0, SD = 1.5, IQR = 1, ratio on score 4 or greater at = 75%. The questionnaire consisted of 5-point Likert-type scale rating the importance level of each attribute combined with open-ended questions.
Findings
This paper presented the findings of the first round of Delphi consensus study. For the first round, the experts were asked to evaluate 31 key attributes of SR3Ls model under five domains. The findings revealed that there were five key attributes to be eliminated from the list, while there were seven attributes identified as the key attributes with highest consensus. There were additional attributes suggested by the Delphi panel to be added in the second round of evaluation.
Originality/value
This international consensus-based SR3Ls model serves as an important benchmark for ODL institutions across the regions in developing meaningful and relevant online learning support systems for their learners to adopt SR3Ls attributes in order to meet the dynamic market demands.
Details
Keywords
Malathi Letchumanan and Balakrishnan Muniandy
In this study the technology acceptance model (TAM) is used to investigate non‐users' acceptance of e‐books. This study evaluates the relationships between perceived ease of use…
Abstract
Purpose
In this study the technology acceptance model (TAM) is used to investigate non‐users' acceptance of e‐books. This study evaluates the relationships between perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, perceived usefulness and intention, and attitude and behavioral intention towards using e‐books.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilized a quantitative approach where questionnaires were used to collect data from 119 undergraduates from the mathematics department of University Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia.
Findings
The result shows that perceived ease of use is positively related to attitude. Perceived usefulness has a significant effect on attitude towards using e‐book. Perceived ease of use also has a significant effect on perceived usefulness. However, perceived usefulness has no significant effect on intention to use.
Originality/value
This study has provided some useful factors based on TAM model on non‐users' intention of using e‐book.