Creating a quality learning environment
IF you look back at your school days, I am sure you can remember a particular teacher who has made an impact on you. A certain lesson, delivered in a certain way, may have sparked your interest in a certain subject. This spark may have even led you to your career today.
An engaging learning environment can certainly influence a life-changing decision. Creating this environment requires an institutional commitment to learner-centredness, which is key to ensuring that learners make the most of their experience. This, in turn, can lead to personal growth and success.
This environment comprises various components, including teaching, delivery, learning materials and resources.
In open and distance learning (ODL), other factors come into play, such as learner demography and adoption of appropriate technologies to introduce flexibility and enhance the learning experience.
At Open University Malaysia (OUM), we leverage on technology to provide the best learning environment for adult learners who study on a part-time basis.
As described by renowned American educator Malcolm Knowles, adult learners have diverse attitudes towards learning.
According to him, adult learners also remember differently, retaining 20% of what they hear, 40% of what they see and hear, and 80% of what they do. Thus, a suitable learning environment must take into consideration their life and work experiences, motivations for studying, and individual learning styles.
Understanding that adult learners have unique characteristics, OUM has incorporated Knowles’ spirit in the many aspects of the university’s learning environment, including delivery modes, development of learning materials, and training of tutors and facilitators.
However, in today’s digital age, adopting the right technology is also crucial to ensure an enriching learning experience. OUM emphasises flexibility and accessibility in its delivery, combining online learning, selfmanaged learning and face-to-face tutorials.
At the same time, a learning management system called myINSPIRE allows learners to access learning materials and interact with their tutors and peers on e-forums through any device. Learners can also access university services through a specially developed mobile application.
Technology is an integral component of an ODL environment. In addition to myINSPIRE, the university leverages on digital applications, social media, video lectures and digital library resources to add value to the learning experience.
Learning materials such as modules and web-based and multimedia resources are produced using proven instructional design strategies to ensure relevant and engaging content for courses offered.
OUM’s teaching staff comprises internal faculty members as well as tutors who bring with them a wealth of knowledge from their industry and academic backgrounds.
Adult learners need a learning environment where their prior experiences are acknowledged and they can engage with peers, tutors and facilitators, thus creating value in their lives.
At OUM, we emphasise an institutional commitment to quality and strive to provide a learning environment that reflects the university’s pledge to offer the best possible experience for all our learners.