Higher Education & Research - Page 3

Moderating Effects of Academic Position and Computer Literacy Skills on E-learning Portal Usage: SEM Application on Theory of Planned Behaviour

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Mohamed Majeed Mashroofa1, Athambawa Haleem2 and Aboobucker Jahufer3

1Senior Assistant Librarian1, Science Library, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka,

E-mail: mashroof@seu.ac.lk,

2Senior Lecturer in Accounting2, Faculty of Management & Commerce, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, E-mail: ahaleem@seu.ac.lk

3Professor in Statistics 3, Faculty of Applied Sciences, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, E-mail: jahufer@seu.ac.lk

 Volume 12, Number 4, July-September, 2020 I Full Text PDF

DOI: 10.21659/rupkatha.v12n4.18

 Abstract

The main objective of this research is to investigate the moderating effect of academic position and computer literacy level on usage of the online learning portal among academics by examining the factors from the perspective of the Theory of Planned Behaviour as the basis for conceptual model. Academic position and Computer Literacy skills are used as moderators. The population of the study comprised 5399 academics. Systematic proportionate sampling techniques applied to gather data, with 400-sample size. Data were received from only 320 university academics, giving a response rate of 80%. SPSS and AMOS version 23 were instrumented to analyse the data and Structural equation modelling was used to find the model fit and causal relationships. This study reveals that both attitude and subjective norm have influences on the behavioural intention but not the perceived behavioural control. Behavioural intention and perceived behavioural control had a direct association with Portal Usage. Both gender and academic position moderate the association of exogenous and endogenous variables. This study will help to set up new work norms that will set aside time for teaching activities through the E-L portal, prepare policy guidelines, and provide incentives to faculty members to encourage E-L portal usage. Universities can use the finding to improve their concerns of the factors involved, as that would enable the academics to use more effectively the online learning system installed at great cost in the universities. In addition, this theoretically contributes to consider the academic position and the computer literacy skills level as the determinants of portal usage.

Keywords:- Academic position, Computer Literacy, E-Learning Portal, MOODLE,  VLE,  Sri Lanka, Theory of Planned Behaviour

 

Research Engagement of Foreign Language Teachers among Select Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia

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Sanil S Hishan1, Suresh Ramakrishnan1,Nur Naha binti Abu Mansor1

1Azman Hashim International Business School (AHIBS), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia. Corresponding Author: hishanssanil@gmail.com

 Volume 12, Number 1, January-March, 2020 I Full Text PDF

DOI: 10.21659/rupkatha.v12n1.42

Abstract

This paper aims to add to established awareness on the extent of research capacity, theoretical ideas, and views on the challenges to their study involvement in Malaysia’s select universities.  It used a hybrid system of concise quantitative and qualitative projects for 62 foreign language students. Data gathering methodologies such as questionnaires, individual and group interviews were used.  Results from the quantitative portion of the paper showed that international teachers displayed a modest degree of research ability while they hold optimistic views on the principles of study as a method to offer answers to educational challenges transcending teacher subject awareness, pedagogical and instructional abilities, and optimistic student learning outcomes. Similarly, qualitative findings found that the barriers to international teachers ‘ participation in research are embodied in lack of time to do work and lack of study writing skills. Moreover, networking incentive and career growth are driving factors for international teachers in Malaysia. The research poses implications on instructional management among curriculum designers, scholars, and school administrators among universities in Malaysia to improve academic culture and professional development opportunities among international teachers in terms of research capability and participation.

Keywords – Research Capabilities, Foreign Teachers, Knowledge generation, Research, Educational Management, Research Productivity