Student engagement and course value as quality issues in ICT-based higher education

The evolution and revolution of Information and communication technology (ICT) has greatly impacted the world of work and higher education. For the latter, distance education offerings are highly reliant on ICT through the e-learning mode. Due to the economic slowdown and the government's incentive, working adults are returning to school. However, with a different learning environment, adjustments must be made to accommodate the learning process, thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the level of cognitive engagement and course value among adult, distance students toward e-learning. The sample size for this study was 500 adult students and the returned response was 33.8%. The mean scores for student engagement was 4.48 and course value was 4.36, indicating that student engagement and course value are mediocre. It was reflected in their academic performance where the average CGPA is between 2.50-2.99. These are indicators of low level integration and motivations among adult students in the course of their learning. The university administration needs ensure that the customized learning management system is more user friendly as this would enhance the chances of student success and reduce the rate of attrition.

1. Introduction

The scope of lifelong learning for institutions of higher education must include policies and practices on adult education or andragogy. As a strategy, adult education through distance education or computer-based education should apply the aspects of social policy such as in the encouragement of working adults to return to school. Consequently, institutions of higher education throughout the world are spending much time, effort and investments to provide their students with quality education. Imitating this practice, the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE) Malaysia is encouraging individuals to pursue their education part time by providing the necessary incentives such as financial assistance. Time is of essence and as such the common and popular choice is through distance education or off-campus learning. Currently, a third choice is offered to them in the form of electronic distance education. This mode of learning allows universities to move away from the traditional lecture-based andragogy in favor of ICT as the enabler for imparting and internalizing knowledge. However, the most important issue is whether the students are getting back their money's worth through quality education that would be ingrained in them throughout their life time.