ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

OUMH1203 Assignment

1. Read this excerpt from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MLearning

The term M-Learning, or "mobile learning", has different meanings for different communities. Although related to E-learning and distance education, it is distinct in its focus on learning across contexts and learning with mobile devices. One definition of mobile learning is: Any sort of learning that happens when the learner is not at a fixed, predetermined location, or learning that happens when the learner takes advantage of the learning opportunities offered by mobile technologies. In other words mobile learning decreases limitation of learning location with the mobility of general portable devices.

The term covers learning with portable technologies including but not limited to handheld computers, MP3 players, notebooks and mobile phones. M-learning focuses on the mobility of the learner, interacting with portable technologies, and learning that reflects a focus on how society and its institutions can accommodate and support an increasingly mobile population.

M-learning is convenient in that it is accessible from virtually anywhere. M-Learning, like other forms of E-learning, is also collaborative; sharing is almost instantaneous among everyone using the same content, which leads to the reception of instant feedback and tips. M-Learning also brings strong portability by replacing books and notes with small RAMs, filled with tailored learning contents. In addition, it is simple to utilize mobile learning for a more effective and entertaining experience.

Your tasks:

(a)                Write a research paper on “Mobile Learning Readiness among Working Adult Learners in Malaysia”

(b)               In order to write this paper, you need to carry out a quick survey on this topic. You need to find at least 30 respondents who are now working and at the same, pursuing their higher education at any college and university. Fresh school leavers should not be your respondents.

(c)                A sample instrument is provided for you to collect your data. However, you can create your own instrument to meet the purpose of this research paper. Once you have colleted you data, you need to analyse your data using descriptive statistics (means and frequency distribution technique), report the results in forms of  means, frequency, and percentage,  and present  some of the findings in visual forms like graphs/charts.

(d)               Your paper must have the following headings:

INTRODUCTION (2-3 paragraphs)

(i)discuss various definitions of mobile learning; find at least 2 references on definition and scope of mobile learning ; you can refer to books, journals, proceedings, and Internet, but you must provide  complete references.

(ii) discuss the status of mobile learning in Malaysia; find 3 references on mobile learning  in Malaysia.

PAST STUDIES (5 short paragraphs)

(i) find at least 5 studies on mobile learning reported in journals only;  the journals can either be printed and  digital forms

(ii)  write a summary of each study in a separate paragraph (who studied, when it was conducted, where it was conducted,  what was studied, who was involved in the study, and what did the study find)

(iii)  refer to the text book on how to write a summary; Refer to 9.3.4 in the text book and http://www.library.mun.ca/guides/howto/apa.php when write your sources (author, year, title, etc.), including the URL at the end of your paper.

A RECENT STUDY (1 paragraph)

(i) Methodology (describe how you collect your data, who are your respondents)

(ii)  Refer to your text book on how to describe this section

FINDINGS (a maximum 6 paragraphs)

(i) Profile: describe your respondents background.

(ii)Results: present the analysis of the data according to each section of the instrument; use means and frequency distribution; you can also carry alternative analysis of your own choice to present the results.

(iii)  indings: summarize your results (1 paragraph)

CONCLUSION (1 paragraph)

Present your conclusion

REFERENCES

(i)list the sources according to the alphabetical order.

(ii) use APA style when writing the reference; remember: every punctuation that separates each information counts.

(e)                Please observe the ethics in writing: no plagiarism. Always acknowledge your sources of reference.

(f)                You are encouraged to discuss this assignment in MyVLE forum with your tutors and course mates.