FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

SEMESTER MAY / 2014

OUMH1103

LEARNING SKILLS FOR OPEN DISTANCE LEARNERS

MATRICULATION NO : 800907115259001
IDENTITY CARD NO. : 800907-11-5259
TELEPHONE NO. : +6010-9333130
E-MAIL : ahmad_daniel@oum.edu.my
LEARNING CENTRE : OUM Shah Alam
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TABLE OF CONTENT PAGE

1.0 INTRODUCTION 2

2.0 CHALLENGES 3

3.0 ARGUEMENT 1
-Effective Reading Technique 5

4.0 ARGUEMENT 2
-Efficient Making And Taking Note Skills 6

5.0 ARGUEMENT 3
-Computer Literacy and Internet Study Skills 8

6.0 ARGUEMENT 4
-Information Evaluation Skills 10

7.0 CONCLUSION 13

8.0 REFERENCES 14

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Introduction

In this millennium world today, information, communication and technology had

largely influence in every aspect in our daily life. In education field for example, the
intervention of these elements become so obvious with the existence of Online Distance
learning (ODL) program. It is a blended learning program that is tailored to those who
eager to learn but don’t have much time to enroll for a full time study due to working or
other commitment. With the virtual interaction between students and tutor, learning
process becomes much easier as opposed to a traditional way.
Due to progress in information, communication and technology. The student has
entered into the competition zone in order to achieve an outstanding achievement in
everything’s performed. Therefore, the needs and purposes of excellent study skills and
information literacy are being discussed with some effective skills and technique being
proposed in the effort to provide a platform for the online distance learner to gain a
success in their study.
First and foremost, an understanding and elaboration of what is it means by study
skills and information literacy must be clearly defined.

Study Skills are the technique and strategies that help a person read or listen for specific
purposes with the intent to remember. Harris and Hodges (as cited in Richardson, Judy
S.; Robnolt, Valerie J,; Rhodes, Joan A,; 2010).

As stated by (Richardson, Judy S.;, Robnolt, Valerie J,; Rhodes, Joan A,; 2010)List of
study skills, consistent over many years, usually include creating and understanding
visual representations of information, previewing a text before reading, locating
information, taking notes, taking test, listening and reading with attention and intention
to learn.

From the statement above, it can be defined that study skills refer to term or
strategy use to make learning process more efficient, effective and organizable. The
skills may be differ from one another depend on personal individual habit or interest.

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Some of them may prefer study in group, and some may like to study late at night.
Despite of varies technique and strategy applied, the main goal and objective is to
achieve an excellency during studies.

The Information Literacy is interpreted as the ability of individual who is able to

recognize, locate, evaluate and use efficiently the information that he need. Shinew,
D.M., Walter, S., (as cited in Mandusic, Dubravka,; Blaskovic, Lucija,; 2013)

Meanwhile, information literacy refers to ability to understand the information

needed, know how to locate or retrieve them and then use it in effective way. It is the
process of finding new information until the presentation process, where some of the
method or information searching skills need to be applied in order to get a consistent and
accurate result tally with the searched topic or the main idea.

Challenges
As an online distance learner, progress in information, communication and
technology does give a big impact on student’s life as they carrying out their daily life
task and duties. Although the development on information, communication and
technology generally help to accelerate the effectiveness of study skills and information
literacy. Students still faced some of the challenges as they moved along.

Among the challenges are;

a) Flood of information from the internet, with the explosion of information has
resulted an outrages amount of information available for the students.

On the other hand, student are largely directed to the Internet as the main (and
only) media of learning, and they are expected to cope in the “sea” of available
information sources. (Mandusic, Dubravka,; Blaskovic, Lucija,; 2013)

b) Implementation of study skills that were introduced before the computer and
internet era is not practical anymore due to changes of study environment

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To remain competitive in a global economy, students must know how to study in a

different environment than they have in the past century. Eveland & Dunwoody
(as cited in Richardson, Judy S.; Robnolt, Valerie J,; Rhodes, Joan A,; 2010)

c) Lack Of Computing Skills among the learners

Tusubira et al ( as cited in Nenge, Richard Tafara,; Chimbadzwa, Zvinaiye,;

2012) argued that considerable knowledge and skills have to be developed among
the end user so they are able to; use ICT services effectively and as independently
as possible;

d) No direct relationship between student and tutor as it will cause the student have
to take an extra incentive on managing and planning with their own studies as
opposed to traditional learning system.

Lack of interaction with fellow students and teachers.( Sulcic, Viktorija,; Lesjak,
Dusan ,; 2009)

In order for students to cope with these challenges, relevant study skills and
information literacy skills should be adopted, to get the learners going and be able to
absorb and accelerate in the education process.

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Argument 1

Effective Reading Technique

On student’s daily life, reading is the most important skills that has to develop in
order to gain an understanding on material being analyzed. Application of proven and
effective reading technique is crucial among the student so it will allows them to get a
maximum benefit from the reading material and help to enhanced learning skills.
REAP
REAP(read, encode, annotate, ponder) was proposed by Eanet & Manzo ((as
cited in Richardson, Judy S.; Robnolt, Valerie J,; Rhodes, Joan A,; 2010)

REAP is the study skills that develop independent reading skills by encouraging the
reader to put the main idea of the passage into his/her own words, both written and orally.
It is a technique to imprinting information to a long term memory
REAP is an acronym for the following process:

R - Read to determine the writer's message.

E - Encode the message by putting it into your own words.
A - Annotate by writing the message for yourself or sharing it.
P - Ponder the message through self-questioning and discussion with others

SQ3R
SQ3R is the reading skills that proven to be effective and mainly developed by Francis
Pleasant Robinson in his 1946, Effective Study based on principles documented in 1930’s

SQ3R was found to be more nor less effective than a student’s own technique.
Graham (as cited in Richardson, Judy S.; Robnolt, Valerie J,; Rhodes, Joan A,; 2010)

These reading skills consist of;

S-Survey the material to get the best overview

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Q-Formulate Question about content reading
R-Read rapidly by focusing on keywords
R-Recite /Recall after each reading section
R-Review the consolidation and integration of the information gathered

Student can make use of technology invented to accelerate and make the reading
skills more efficient and effective by using digital camera/voice recorder. Instead of
orally say the main passage in order memorize the material being read, the usage of
digital camera/voice recorder will enhance memorizing process by storing and re-
listening and watching the recorded voice/clips anytime at students convenient.

Argument 2

Efficient Making and Taking Notes Skills

Student’s success is largely influenced by the effectiveness of study criteria; one
of them is making and taking notes. There is no certain guide and procedure or proper
way in making notes. Usually, notes that are presented in a simple and neat way are
easier to read and understand. The ability to take and making good notes will save time in
studies.

Note-taking &re-reading were found to be effective . Dyer & Riley(as cited in

Richardson, Judy S.; Robnolt, Valerie J,; Rhodes, Joan A,;2010)

There are several ways in making notes,

a) Summary Notes; Condensed version of information, written in paragraph form

b) Outline Notes; Keywords and phrases. Sequentially numbered or headings,
subheadings and indentation used
c) Annotation; Underlining fact, highlighting the main points, using question marks
d) Mind/Semantic Maps; The main topic form the nucleus, while the main ideas and
concept branch out from it.

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Semantic mapping enhanced study skills. Schewel (as cited in Richardson, Judy S.;
Robnolt, Valerie J,; Rhodes, Joan A,; 2010).

As an online learner, most of the material were in electronic paperless softcopy

format. Due to its portability, students might find it convenient on carrying all the notes
everywhere without a hassle. In terms of studying and making notes, students have an
option to print it or just read it through the computer.

For instance, when reading from a textbook, one may write notes on index cards or sticky
notes. When reading on a computer, one may take note by inserting remark into
document with red font, or by using track editing or footnoting. (Richardson, Judy S.;
Robnolt, Valerie J,; Rhodes, Joan A,; 2010)

With the rapid growing of information technology, the task of making and taking
notes become effective where student can utilize the software in the computer as a tool in
making notes. Programs like Microsoft PowerPoint become useful in making
mind/semantic maps type of notes.

Students can learn and study more efficiently when taking notes on a laptop. Anderson-
Inman (as cited in Richardson, Judy S.; Robnolt, Valerie J,; Rhodes, Joan A,; 2010).

One of the convenient function that has been provided in internet browser is web-
bookmarks option, student are able to mark any website that has useful information for
their assignment or study for example. Students might find it useful as they don’t have to
save or print all the information needed either for note making or as an additional
material for study.

The use of web- based bookmarks in elementary setting was explained. Forbes (as cited
in Richardson, Judy S.; Robnolt, Valerie J,; Rhodes, Joan A,; 2010).

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Argument 3

Computer Literacy and Internet study skills

In line with the development of Online Distance Program, good computing skills must be
acquired by the student and it become among the most important study skills aside of
reading technique, time management, taking and making notes. As opposed to traditional
learning process, where the student need to bring textbook in a hardcopy version along
with the stationeries. With the new computerized study skills, computer can be described
as a hub of communication and as a tool in online learning process. Gadzella (as cited in
Richardson, Judy S.; Robnolt, Valerie J,; Rhodes, Joan A,; 2010) stated that

Computer assisted study skills program increased study habits and attitudes.

Several efforts have been done by learning centre in order the overcome and to
ensure the entire learner is literate in computing skills. Basic course on introduction to
computer, tutorial on Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, are
among the effort offered to the students in order to get them started.
Info graphic 1, below shows how computers become an important study skills
element, especially for online distance learner.

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The usage of chat-room for student to discuss on educational matters with the
tutor can be seen as a new way of study skills as opposed to traditional face to
face/classroom tutor.

Student can use chat room to discuss their learning. Albright, Purohit & Walsh (as cited
in Richardson, Judy S.; Robnolt, Valerie J,; Rhodes, Joan A,; 2010).

The existence of online discussion forum can be described as virtual group

discussion, where the online forum consists of a group of student with the tutor as the
moderator of the forum. Student will leave a question on a thread that has been created
and will be answered by the tutor. As the tutor giving an answer to the question being
asked, other students might throw some opinions and idea whenever is appropriate.

Students can use on-line discussion to discuss content. Thomas & Hofmeister (as cited in
Richardson, Judy S.; Robnolt, Valerie J,; Rhodes, Joan A,; 2010)

With the blended learning approach, student will still have an opportunity get to
see the tutor once in a while and experience a normal learning process. Thus it will
become a solution to one of the challenges mentioned.
This kind of approach has been largely practice in education system such as Open
University Malaysia in organizing Online Distance Learner program and it is proven to
be effective and efficient for both parties in sharing and delivering information.
Writing an assignment has been never been easier with computer and internet.
Thanks to the technology that enable student to have a peace of mind on having enough
time on writing, evaluate the information and submit the assignment through online.
Through the Online Distance Learner portal, each student will be given an access to
personal VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) interface where all the students details,
examination result, link to virtual library and course material can be accessed through the
web page.

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And also the existence of Virtual Library,the concept is the same as physical
library, except for all the information is in paperless format instead of using card
catalogue to retrieve library material and learners have a convenient to access the library
anytime, anywhere.

Argument 4

Information Evaluation Skills

In this world today, with all information is at our fingertips, internet especially
plays a major role as a floodgates in continuously flow the information . Some of them
were in “un-informed of opinions” and some of them in “most well-researched of fact”.
As an online learner, it is crucial to know how to, where to look for and how to use the
information efficiently.
The main purpose of information literacy is to recognize the nature and extent of
information, to know how to formulate the question that demand an answer and also to
know the different source of information and the ways in which information can be
processed. Mandusic, Dubravka,; Blaskovic, Lucija,; (2013) stated that:

It is necessary to evaluate the information. You need to know to read the text and how to
extract necessary from it. We should be able to recognize if the information is the one
that we need.

The challenges due to, mix of unfiltered information that is easily accessed, the
students tend to get confused on how to use them and manipulate the information inside
it. Furthermore the quality of the online material need to be clarified of its originality,
reliability, whether it has been cited or plagiarize. All of these factor should be count and
determined by the student in order to evaluate the information from internet.

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Barbara Braxton, a teacher from school Palmerston, Australian states that
information literacy process consists of six steps: defining, finding and selection of
sources, organization, presentation and evaluation. Figure below show the simplified of
method that has been introduced by her.

Info graphic 2.Six steps of information literacy by Barbara Braxton

According to this method, Barbara Braxton clearly stated the steps and guide on
the adaptation of information literacy in students learning process where each of the
definition represent a group of question that has to be answered or appointed while
executing the specific task.

Defining; Elaboration of the main core idea, on what is the information that are needed,
what are the topics, subtopic or title by focusing on the keywords and what are the
information that the student already.

Finding source of information; Focusing on what is the best and reliable source that is
available by that time. It may come up with either it is in OPAC (Online Public Access
Catalogue), Electronic databases (e-books and e-journals) or internet website. Open
Distance Learners Virtual Library for an example would be the best need for the students
on searching and finding a journal for their assignments and study works. Also it is on the
source that students don’t have and how they manage to access these resources.

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Selection; Select the information effectively, based on the main idea or topic by look for
any clue or cues. Also student must be able to identify whether the information is
relevant, recent, accurate and unbiased. In information retrieval process, the use of
“Boolean Connector (AND, OR and NOT)” will helps to narrow down or broaden the
search and gives more accurate and better result. Student can use them by combining it
with the search term.

Organization; It is the effort on how to organize the information so the student can get
better understandings. Information should be arranged accordingly so it can be easily
understood by the others. It is also crucial at this stage for students to check whether the
information is in line with the main core idea or topic.

Presentation; It is how the student shares the information with others. What is the
purpose and the best format to meet the needs, either it is in a written, oral or in Microsoft
PowerPoint format, as the student have their own target audience.

Evaluation; Based on the student’s outcome from the information looked for. Which part
that would be improved or any parts that require extra support in the future.

According to Braxton(as cited in Mandusic, Dubravka,; Blaskovic, Lucija,;

2013)

This is a very simple example, shown on the way that even the students in primary school
can handle it, ie. They can comprehend the meaning of information literacy and how to
gain it.

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Conclusion

Return to our opening question (How are you going to ensure that you acquire
Excellent study skills and information literacy so that you can cope with these
challenges and succeed in your studies) In the light of foregoing conclusion and findings,
it is suggested that;

a) The application of effective study skills such as effective reading technique is

crucial for the student in order to cope with the challenges and to get a thorough
understanding on material being read. Aside from that, student will acquire a note
making and taking skill that is useful in studying the course module and during
lectures with the tutors.
b) Computer Literacy Skills is seen to be the most important element in Online
Distance Learning process, where it become as a tool or hub in receiving and
transmitting the information among the student and the tutor. Furthermore, these
computing skills are also needed to enable students in adapting effective study
skills and information literacy.
c) Information literacy is not new after all, it is just that we need a reliable source,
steps and guide on how to systematically look and evaluate the information as we
do not wish to get drown in the ocean of information. With the existence of this
kind of guidance, it will save the student’s time due to knowledge and efficient
technique on knowing where to, how to search and use the information
effectively.

With the challenges that has been identified along with the suggested effective study
skills and information literacy guide. Online learners will definitely can continue on
pursuing their learning and take the challenges as a motivation in order to achieve an
outstanding result in their life learning process.

2998 Words

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ATTACHMENT

REFERENCES

1. Richardson, Judy S.; Robnolt, Valerie J,; Rhodes, Joan A,; (2010). A History Of Study

Skills: Not Hot, But Not Forgotten.[Online]. Available:

http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.newdc.oum.edu.my/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=2&sid=e5b

ba166-b341-4d8e-a8c5-6a8198024bd5%40sessionmgr4001&hid=4111

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2. Mandusic, Dubravka,; Blaskovic, Lucija,; (2013). Information Literacy, Theory and

Practice in Education. [Online]. Available:
http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.newdc.oum.edu.my/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=2&sid=546
314f7-2392-4d7a-980c-c44606f588d1%40sessionmgr4001&hid=4111

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3. Sulcic, Viktorija,; Lesjak, Dusan ,;(2009). E-Learning and Study Effectiveness.
[Online] Available :
http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.newdc.oum.edu.my/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=3&sid=546
314f7-2392-4d7a-980c-c44606f588d1%40sessionmgr4001&hid=4111

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4. Nenge, Richard Tafara,; Chimbadzwa, Zvinaiye,; (2012). ICT Implementation

Challenges and Strategies For ODL Institutions: The ZOU’s National Centre Academic
Staff Experiences. [Online] Availble ; http://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1000417

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