Communication Management in Distance Learning Scale Validation

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between communication management indicators namely communication practices, communication tools and learners' cognitive engagement in distance learning programme. A set of hypotheses concerning correlational links between constructs are derived from the literature. This study was conducted using quantitative approach. Questionnaire was used to elicit responses from 405 randomly selected distance learners from three Malaysia Public universities offering distance-learning programmes. Data analysis was conducted using Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) version 18 software to test the relationship between communication practices, communication tools and learners' cognitive engagement. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to establish the validity and reliability of the items. Tests of hypotheses provided evidence of measures of fit and statistical significance of the measurement model. The findings provide evidences of model fit and that effective communication practices and communication tools have strong positive relationship with students' cognitive engagement. The study establishes the relevance of communication management in enhancing self-directed, self-motivated and self-dependent distance learners.