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This study investigated whether mobile learning via Short Message Service (SMS-learning) is accepted by the students enrolled in the distance learning academic programme in the Universiti Sains Malaysia. This study explored the impact of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and usability of the system to their acceptability. The survey was constructed using a questionnaire consisting of statements regarding the participants’ demographics, experiences in and perception of using mobile learning via SMS, involving 105 students from management and sciences disciplines. The Rasch Model Analysis was used for measurement correspond to a 5 point Likert. Results indicated that the usability of the system contributed to be effectiveness in assisting the students with their study. Respondents agree that SMS-learning is easy, effective and useful to help them study. However, the results found that there has been a problem in mobile learning that less interaction with lecturers. It implies that the acceptability of students to this mode on communication and interaction is highly endorsed

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This paper is a study on the interaction patterns of distance learners enrolled in the Mathematics and Physics programmes of Universiti Sains Malaysia in the videoconferencing learning environment (VCLE). Interaction patterns are analysed in six randomly chosen videoconferencing sessions within one academic year. The findings show there are more interactions in the graphics display mode than the video display mode. The graphics display mode, which involves the simultaneous interaction of the teacher, students and course materials, shows greater student engagement in the VCLE. The focus on a three-component interaction in distance learning differs from previous studies which looked at distinct types of two-component interactions. The types of communicative interaction, in particular the explanatory and cognitive types which are dominant in the graphics display mode, are discussed within the construct of learning. The higher number of teacher-initiated interactions may also imply that the teacher plays a crucial role in creating and maintaining a community of inquiry focused on exploring and developing content as well as giving feedback on concepts, ideas or solutions. IntroductionWith the advent of advanced technology, distance education practices have evolved from didactic conversation utilising a simple dedicated telephone line for two-way communication and a self-instructional package to providing a learning experience almost as real as that found in a face-to-face traditional learning environment. While guided didactic conversation is no longer the pervasive characteristic of distance education, Chen and Willits (1998) found that dialogue in the form of in-class discussion remains

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This study was carried out in order to investigate whether mobile learning using Short Message Service (SMS) was a method of learning adopted by the students enrolled in the School of Distance Education, Universiti Sains Malaysia. As adult learners who are in vocation, time and isolation are the bane of self-study. Since all the students own a mobile device that can receive SMS, educational messages can be sent directly to their devices. This experimental study explored the impact of learner’s characteristic, learning design and learning environment to their adoptability. This study utilised two models of data analysis, the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 12.0 and the Rasch model analysis for measurement. The analysis was conducted on a sample of 105 students based on gender, age, ethnicity, programme of study and mobile device ownership. The students were from four different courses which are Bachelors of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Social Science and Bachelor of Management. The questionnaire-answer session were administered by the respective course managers in their tutorial sessions during the annual residential intensive course in the main campus of the Universiti Sains Malaysia. The result indicated that mobile learning has helped them to pace their studies. By using mobile learning, learners easily get any information that they need at anytime anywhere. Learners would also like to take another mobile learning assisted course if the courses are relevant to their learning needs. Furthermore, the SMS educational content received through their hand phone are easily remembered

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