Preference Learning Style in Engineering Mathematics: Students Perception of E-Learning

Norngainy Mohd Tawil,Haliza Othman,Nur Arzilah Ismail,Izamarlina Asshaari,Hafizah Bahaludin,Azami Zaharim

doi:10.5539/ies.v6n6p61

Abstract

Nowadays, traditional learning styles are assisted with e-learning components to ensure the effectiveness the teaching and learning process especially for the students. This approach is known as blended learning. Objective of this paper is to investigate and clarify the students’ preferences in learning style either traditional or e-learning. Specifically, traditional learning styles fall into two group which are by individual or by group. The sample of this study consists of 189 First Year engineering students at the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment UKM who have taken Mathematics as their core courses. This study revealed that students are preferred to study in traditional learning styles compared to e-learning. Also, individual learning styles is the most favourable.

Highlights

As we enter the third millennium, education via the internet, intranet or network represents great and exciting opportunities for both educators and learners
This study revealed that students are preferred to study in traditional learning styles compared to e-learning
This research has been done by Rasila et al (2010) with the results of their experiences have shown that e-assessment is suitable for large scale teaching of engineering mathematics, it does not lead to overwhelming technical problems, and it can be highly motivating for the students

Summary

Introduction

As we enter the third millennium, education via the internet, intranet or network represents great and exciting opportunities for both educators and learners. Even though educators and learners strongly admit that traditional teaching has their important role in teaching function (Mandic, 2010) but we cannot avoid the development in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Due of this reason, blended learning has been introduced in educational system to give positive consequences especially to the students. This fact supported by Yushau (2006) that students experience difficulties in studying Mathematics since they have to understand the theories and rememorize the formulae Based on this reason, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FKAB) implemented e-learning system known as WILEY-PLUS to assist students as well as lecturers to get effective teaching and learning process. The system may lead to cost savings, at least in the long run.as mentioned by David et al (2010) that the applications in mathematics e-learning indicate both present and potential uses for this software as a basis for eLearning applications in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics through the addition of suitable pedagogies. Pais et al (2004) doing research in e-learning found that this solution involves the assistance of computers working as pedagogical tools complementary to the traditional methods that are used in the teaching of subjects such as Mathematics, Electrics and Electronics can help the students focus and understand more in other subject

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Results