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Malaysian Journal of Distance Education Vol.7, No.2, pp 83-100 (2005) ISSN: 1511-6433
Matching the Learning Orientations of Malaysian Online Learners to Their Web Learning Environments
Nor Aziah Alias, Haziah Jamaludin & Masitah Hashim Institute of Educational Development Universiti Teknologi MARA, (UiTM)
Dwelling 6, INTEKMA Resort and Convention Centre Persiaran Raja Muda, Seksyen 7, 40000 Shah Alam Selangor, Malaysia aziahnor@gmail.com
Abstract Most Malaysian research on the individual differences of students focus on the learners’ learning style which is a cognitive factor said to describe how differently they learn. Instead of concentrating on cognitive differences, this paper addresses the affective, conative and social factors in online learning. Through profiling the learning orientations of online learners using the Learning Orientation Questionnaire (LOQ), a better understanding of the factors that contribute to the making of a self-motivated, independent and self-directed learner can be achieved. The paper reports on the learning orientation preferences of fifty-nine Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) online learners. It provides a profile of individual learning differences in which students are categorised either as transforming learners, performing learners, conforming learners or resistant learners. A high percentage of UiTM online learners are expected to be conforming learners due to their prior experience in an examination oriented educational system and deep-seated teacher reverence. As learning environments influence learning outcomes depending on how they match the learning orientation (Martinez & Bunderson, 2000), the existing online learning environment and web instruction will be evaluated using a checklist designed according to a set of strategies and guidelines proposed by Martinez (2001). Recommendations for further improvement to accommodate the learners will then be made.
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