1.

0 FINDINGS

PART A: RESPONDENT DETAILS

Q1: GENDER

female male
53% 47%

Figure 1 : Respondent Gender

In this case study, a survey has been conducted involving 30 respondents. In Figure 1
above shows that 53% or 16 respondents were female and the remaining 14 were male
respondents. All of the above respondents were working class people from varies public and
private organizations that studying distance education.

Figure 2: Age of Respondents

Figure 2 is the age of the 30 respondents of the survey. The total 18 of our respondents
were of aged 30-39 years old whereas 10 of the respondents were between the aged of 20-
29. The remaining 2 respondents were between 40-49 years old. From the result, it shows
that most of the working class students who are still pursuing their study are in their early
30’s. It can be anticipated that their objectives to further their studies are to boost their
career. It can also be concluded that some of the working class from the aged of 20-29
whom further their study would be most likely gain experience and to improve themselves.

Figure 3: Status of the Respondents

Out of 30 respondents that have participated in this survey, 21 respondents were married
and 9 respondents were single as display in Figure 3. This shows that although most the
respondents were already married, they still have the strength to pursue higher education
despite their work load and personal life.

Figure 4: Income of the Respondents

12 respondents of this study have the income of RM3,001- RM3,500 and above whereas 11
of them wages of RM2,501 – RM3,000 as shown in Figure 4. This indicates that in order for
them to increase their salary, higher education will help to boost it. Generally, with longer
experience of working and additional higher academic level, they can expect much higher
income from their respective organization. The same goes for the 5 and 2 respondents who
have the salary range of RM2,001 – RM2,500 and RM1,501 – RM2,000 respectively.

Figure 5: Distance of the Respondents

Figure 5 was a result of the distance of where the respondent lives from the University. As
for this study, distance from the Uitm Shah Alam. From the result above, it shows that most
of the respondents are from Selangor and Klang Valley area. Only 5 of the respondents are
from the range of 45km & above.

FIGURE 6: Occupation of the Respondents

From Figure 6 above, more than half of the respondents were government servant whereas
9 of the respondents derive from private organization and 1 of the respondents was self-
employed.
PART B and PART C: INTERNET and COMMUNICATION

willing to actively
2
3

communicate 28

Strongly Disagree
comfortable Disagree
communicating 4
2

22 Neutral
electronically 4
Agree
2
easily access the Internet 6 Strongly agree
1

13
19

0 10 20 30
Figure 7: Question 1 – Question 3

Figure 7 is the result of the study for question 1 until Question 3 of the survey conducted.
For question 1, 19 and 13 respondents strongly agree and agree respectively that they have
easy access to the internet. With the advance of technology nowadays, most people
especially working people will have a lot of internet access to do their work. Thus, it makes
much easier for them to access any information given by the lecturer via internet outside the
classes.

Question 2 of the survey inquire about whether the respondents feeling comfortable
communicating electronically. Majority of 22 respondents agree that they feeling comfortable
communication through electronically. This is because, as working people they always
communicate electronically such as email with their associates, coworker’s, clients or
customers to complete their jobs. Thus it will make it easier and faster to get any information
regarding their studies and to get fast respond in communicating.

Question 3 is regarding the respondent willingness to communicate actively with their

classmates and lecturer/instructor. Majority of 28 respondents agree on the statement. This
is due to the reason that when working, they were also need to be actively communicate with
their associates, coworker’s, clients or customers to get faster respond rather than using the
old ways of writing a letter or faxes. In addition to the above, the students will get fast
respond with other part time students and their lecturer as they were not seeing Eye to eye
much and not having classes every day as compared to the full time student.

As a result of this positive feedback in Figure 7 above, we conclude that the respondents
have a positive feedback regarding the online communication. This can be a result of the
respondents are working people and the internet are part of the necessary tools in their work
life.

what I have learned in a

course will help me to 2
6

28
remember it better.
Strongly Disagree
comfortable with written Disagree
4
5

communication 22 Neutral
4
Agree
background and
2
experience will be 6 Strongly agree
4

13
beneficial to my studies. 19

0 10 20 30
Figure 8: Question 4 – Question 6

Figure 8 illustrated the result of the survey for Question 4 until Question 6. The statement of
question 4 is about whether the respondents feel that background and experience will be
beneficial to their studies. 19 and 6 of the respondents are agree and strongly agree of the
said statement. The finding shows that the students were likely to further their study on the
relevant program that has a relation with their work. As such, they can relate what they have
study with what they do for a living.

Question 5 states whether the respondents comfortable with the written communication. 18
of the respondent agree on the statement, 4 of the respondents strongly agree whereas 7 of
them were neutral of the statement and 1 respondent disagree. This is probably due to the
misunderstanding of the respondents to the statement. This statement indicates that apart
from online communication, the respondents agree that they feel comfortable with the
standard or normal way of communication i.e written communication. Although internet
supports a lot on the distance education, a written communication also needed as not all
work can be done through online.

Question 6 states whether the respondent believes that looking back on what they have
learned in a course will help them to remember better what they have learned. Majority of 16
and 10 respondents are agree and strongly agree on the statement. As the students also a
working people, they have a lot to memorize and task to be done both in working and study.
Thus, they will not have time to remember and memorize what they learned unless they look
back on the material and notes of their study. By doing so, they can excel in what they have
learned better.

From Figure 8, we can conclude that the working people took a course or program that have
a relation or connection in what they do for living and by doing so they have gain more
knowledge of the scope of study.

enjoy working with other

10

students in groups. 2
25
3

6
I enjoy working independently 10 Strongly Disagree
9

13
1 Disagree
1 Neutral
able to manage my study time 2
14
8

effectively 13 Agree
Strongly agree
1
am self-disciplined and find it easy to 5
10
7

set aside reading and homework time 14

0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Figure 9: Question 7 – Question 10

Question 7 until Question 10 of the survey is showed in Figure 9 above. 14 of the

respondents agree that they are self- disciplined and find it easy to set aside reading and
homework time in Question 7. 10 respondents feel neutral about the statement whereas 5
and 1 respondents are disagree and strongly disagree with the question given. We find that
most of the student can manage their time between reading and homework because when
working they also have certain deadline to complete their task.
The statement is Question 8 is about whether the respondents were able to manage their
study time effectively and easily to complete their assignment on time. 13 of the
respondents agree on the statement. 14 respondents feel neutral about the statement
whereas 2 and 1 respondents are disagree and strongly disagree with the question given.
We find that most of the respondent feel uneasy regarding the statement as it shows that
they incompetency to manage their time wisely although in work wise also they do have a
timeline to complete their job.

Question 9 asks whether as a student the respondent enjoy working independently. 13 and
1 respondents have a positive feedback of agree and strongly agree on the statement. 10 of
the respondents’ feels neutral and the remaining 6 disagree on it. This is due to the reason
that the respondents are working and that most of them will be difficult to have a meeting or
discussion other student. Thus, it will be easier for them to complete their assignment
homework on their own.

As a student, I enjoy working with other students in group as Question 10 shows that
majority of 25 respondents agree and 3 respondents strongly agree on the statement
whereas 2 respondents feels neutral. We find that although some of the respondents enjoy
working independently, most of them have a positive outcome regarding a grouping study.
This is because when working, they have very limited time to revise on each of the course
that they have taken and with group study they can have a discussion about what they have
learned that they also can understand better on a topic or syllabus of a course that difficult
for them.

From the finding above, we can conclude that most of the respondents are struggling to
manage their time between studies, personal life and working and that they are more
comfortable in learning in a group rather than independently.
 feel comfortable
14
communicating online in 9
19
English. 1

feel comfortable composing

1 Strongly Disagree
13

text on a computer in an online 5

21
learning environment. 3 Disagree
possess sufficient computer Neutral
1
12

keyboarding skills for doing 5 Agree

21
online work. 3
Strongly agree
lot of interaction with my
11

4
lecturer assistance 21
5

0 5 10 15 20 25

Figure 10: Question 11 – Question 14

Figure 10 illustrated the result of finding for Question 11 until Question 14 of the survey.
Majority of 21 and 5 respondents are agree and strongly agree whereas remaining 4
respondents feels neutral on the statement of Question 11 where the respondents like a lot
of interaction with their lecturers and/tutor. Although they are working people, theory and
practical of the course are different and sometimes difficult to understand. Thus, with a lot of
interaction and communication with the lecturer/tutor can held them to better understand
what they have studied and easy for them to apply.

The statement in Question 12 is about whether the respondents possess sufficient computer
keyboard skill for doing online work. 21 and 3 respondents respond agree and strongly
agree on the statement given. 5 respondents neutral and 1 respondent disagree about the
same statement. The same result of the findings also apply to the Question 13 where the
statement states whether the respondent feeling comfortable composing text on a computer
in an online learning environment. Again, from the result of these two question, we find that
part time student have sufficient computer skill and that they also feeling comfortable
composing text for online learning environment because when working they need to
communicate with other people through online and through email to get a quick respond.

19 respondents agree and 1 respondent strongly agree that they feels confortable
communicating in English as result for statement in Question 14. However 9 respondents
are neutral on the statement given whereas another 1 respondents disagree. The finding
shows that as a working people, they have to communicate with other people in English
when working apart from Malay language. Thus, when study in English will not be a difficulty
for them as well.

From Figure 10, we find that even though the online communication helps to support the
distance education, the communication between the students and lecturer are still important.

can collaborate with other

20

students during Internet 6

21
activities outside of class. 3
can work in a group during
1
19

Internet activities 7
19
outside of class. 3

motivated by the material in an Strongly Disagree

18

7
Internet activity outside of class 21 Disagree
2
Neutral
motivated by the material in an 1
17

10
Internet activity outside of class 16 Agree
3
Strongly agree
face-to-face contact with my
16

9
lecturer is necessary to learn. 12
9

receive a quick response using

15

8
Internet activities 5
17

0 5 10 15 20 25

Figure 11: Question 15 – Question 20

Figure 11 elaborate the result of Question 15 until Question 20 of the case study. In
Question 15, the respondents were asked whether they received a quick response from their
lecturer during internet activities outside of class. 17 of the respondents agree that the
received a quick response from their lecturer whereas 5 respondent neutral on the statement
given. 8 of the respondents disagree that they received a quick response from lecturer
during internet activities outside of class. This result shows that the lecturer also gives their
times and cooperation with the students outsides classes.

Majority of 12 and 9 respondents agree and strongly agree on the Question 16 statement
where they feel that face to face contact with the lecturer is necessary to learn. The
remaining 9 of the respondents are neutral on the statement. Although the internet help to
support the part time student in the distance education, it is still necessary to have an onsite
classes with lecturer to learn as not all things can be learn via online learning only.

Question 17 states that the respondents feel motivated by the material in an internet activity
outside class. 16 of the respondents agree and 3 respondents strongly agree on the
statement. However, 10 respondents feel neutral whereas 1 respondent disagree. The result
shows that the respondents motivated by the material in an internet activity outside class
due to the reason that it helps them to learned better on their course and also helps them to
better understand.

Question 18 states that whether the respondents can discuss with other students during
internet activities outside class. Majority of 21 and 3 respondents agree and strongly agree
that they can discuss with other students through online outside class whereas 7
respondents neutral. Question 19 states that 19 and 3 of the respondents agree and strongly
agree that the can work in a group during internet activities outside class whereas 7 respond
neutral and 1 respondent disagree with the statement. In Question 20, Majority of 21 and 3
respondents agree and strongly agree that they can collaborate with other students during
internet activities outside class.

The result of findings for Question 18 to 20, it shows most of people especially working
people have smartphone or tablet with the access of the internet connection. They can carry
it everywhere without trouble and thus, it is easier for them to communicate with other
student outside class. With just a click of a button, they can communicate at anytime and
anywhere without hassle.
 18 17
16 15 15
14 13
12 12
12
10 9 9
8
8 77
6 6
6 5 5
4 4
4 3 3 3 3 3 Strongly agree
2 2 2 2 2
2 1 Agree
0 Neutral
Learning is can that a complete could pass an Internet
the same practice learning on course can a course course is Disagree
in class English the be given on the possible Strongly Disagree
and at grammar Internet by the Internet but for
home on during outside of Internet without learning
the Internet class is without any English it
Internet. activities more difficulty. lecturer would be
outside of motivating assistance difficult
class.
21 22 23 24 25 26

Figure 12: Question 21 – Question 26

The result of the survey for Question 21 until Question 26 is illustrated in Figure 12 above. In
Question 21, 20 of the respondents giving a positive feedback whereby 15 respondents
agree and 5 respondents strongly agree that learning is the same in class and at home on
the internet. The remaining 5 respondents neutral on the statement given whereas 6
respondents and 2 respondents are disagree and strongly agree. The finding shows that the
distance learners are not having any difficulty to learn through online studies.

For Question 22, 17 out of 30 respondents agree that they can practice English grammar
during internet activities outside class. 4 respondents strongly agree on the statement
whereas 6 respond neutral and 3 respondents disagree. From the result, we find that the
respondents do not have difficulty to practice or using English as a medium of
communication as they also need to communicate in English when working.

The result for Question 23 where the statement question on whether the respondents
believe that learning on the internet outside of class is more motivating than a regular course
shows that the total of 15 of respondent are agree and strongly agree. However, 7
respondents disagree and 1 respondent strongly disagree on the statement given. The
remaining 7 respondents feel neutral. The reasons for the above result is due to distance
learner have limited time to go for the regular course thus they are more comfortable in an
online learning.

For Question 24, the results are 50-50 that the respondents believe that the complete course
can be given by the internet without any difficulty. 9 and 2 respondents agree with the
statement. Another 9 and 2 respondent were disagree and strongly disagree with the
statement given whereas the remaining 8 respondents response neutral. This is due to the
reason that the respondents for the distance education are studies in Uitm Shah Alam
whereby the method of learning is both on regular course which is on site class and online
learning. Thus, it is difficult for them to determine on the result of the statement above.

15 out of 30 respondents disagree that they could pass a course on the internet without any
teacher assistance as indicate in Question 25. 3 respondents feels strongly disagree on the
statement. Whereas 4 and 3 respondents agree and strongly agree that they can pass a
course with teacher assistance. The remaining 5 respondents were neutral. From the result,
it shows that it is necessary to have the assistance of the lecturer and teacher aside from the
online learning for distance education.

In Question 26 determine that 13 and 3 respondents agree and strongly agree that they
believe an internet course is possible but learning English through online would be difficult. 2
respondents disagree whereas the remaining 12 were neutral on the statement given. This
result again indicates that the respondents’ feels online learning is possible as they are
studies using the same method but they feels that to study English online would be difficult
as they need the lecturer guidance on the course.

As a result of finding in Figure 12, we can conclude that although internet can be a very
useful tool of learning for the distance learner, however, the interaction and communication
between lecturer and teacher are still essential and necessary part of the distance
education.