The purpose of this paper is to present the theoretical framework underlying a research on factors that influence utilization of the Jusur Learning Management System (Jusur LMS) in Saudi Arabian public universities. Development of the theoretical framework was done based on library research approach. Initially, the existing literature relevant to the subject was reviewed to determine the important variables related to factors influencing the use of LMS in higher education. The paper provides insights of the external and internal variables or factors that influence the use of Jusur LMS for teaching and learning purposes. The internal variables consist of the attitude of Saudi Arabian faculty members towards using LMS, their beliefs towards e-learning, and their competence level in using LMS. The external variables consist of barriers faced by the faculty members and demographic factors. This study was limited to the use of Jusur LMS, one of the e-learning management tools used in Saudi Arabian universities, and surveyed faculty members of Saudi Arabian public universities. This theoretical framework can be adapted to suit the requirements of other similar studies related to planning and implementation of various technology programs in higher education.
This research aims to evaluate the psychology properties of the construct validity for the Critical Thinking Disposition (CTD) instrument. The CTD instrument consists of 39 Likert-type items measuring seven dispositions, namely analyticity, open-mind, truth-seeking, systematicity, self-confidence inquisitiveness and maturity. The study involves 433 undergraduate students in University Putra Malaysia. The findings showed that the CTD has satisfactory construct validity with seven factors extracted and confirmed by confirmatory factor analyses. Construct validity results are supported with the Cronbach's alpha values which indicates high validity and reliability for the instrument to measure critical thinking dispositions.
Educational institutions are increasingly turning to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to promote the development of a technologically literate nation. In line with this stance, teachers are expected to use ICT tools to facilitate instruction in the classroom. This paper sought to determine the antecedents of attitude towards laptop use among the Science and Mathematics teachers in Malaysian secondary schools. Hereto, the Technology Acceptance Model served as theoretical framework and six hypotheses were put forward. An investigation was carried out among 292 Science teachers and 278 Mathematics teachers in selected schools. Perceived usefulness was shown to be a good predictor of attitude towards laptop use, whereas perceived ease of use did not directly impact teachers' attitude towards laptop use. The findings were found to be similar for both Science and Mathematics teachers
As the demand for schools to become more effective and efficient learning communities increases, the need for principals to cultivate broad-based, skilful participation in the work of leadership is essential. It is important for educational leaders to recognise the significance of their role in technology implementation and utilisation. They should be proficient in the use of technology and then provide leadership in the use of technology for administrative, instructional, and learning functions. Relatively few studies have empirically examined the level of computer use by principals, their perceived computer competence and their leadership style. This paper will report on these issues from an initial analysis of baseline data gathered from 30 secondary school principals in Tehran, a large province in Iran. Findings indicate that school principals spent a few times a week working on their computers and they had moderate levels of information technology competency. This paper also suggests that transformational leadership can help school leaders increase successful use of technology in schools. Hence, policy makers must design professional development programmes, such as leadership studies, in order to teach the components of transformational leadership: idealised influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individual consideration to future administrators.
With rapid emergence to the birth of the knowledge era, an active and interactive learning environment is fundamental to any teaching and learning process. Over time, negative implications of traditional learning environment are mounting, and measures must be taken to challenge it. With extensive research on available learning tools, it has become more feasible to provide our students with better learning opportunities. Such was the anticipation in the Malaysian educational context. Hence, this paper aims to address qualitative findings of a study on self-regulated learning strategies conveyed through the proposed interactive elearning community (iELC). In duration of eight weeks, students (n = 50) from regular national secondary schools were subjected to online learning tasks aimed to advance strategies on self-regulated learning. To date, strategies of self-regulated learning have been perceived as key to learner to succeed academically and after the schooling years. By means of semi-structured interview, data were collected from small group and one-to-one perception. Results were directed at the overall development of self-regulated learning strategies and its diffusion in the iELC discussion platform. Conclusively, these findings add significantly to the understanding of self-regulated learning strategies in an online learning environment.
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