Open University Of Sri Lanka Research Articles

Medium of Instruction, Language Proficiency and Learner Profiles: Impact of English Proficiency on the Performance of Learners following the BA Degree in Social Sciences

The OUSL Journal is a peer-reviewed open access journal published by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). It is the first scholarly journal in Sri Lanka focusing on research in the field of Open and Distance Learning (ODL), and is being published since 1997. The journal provides a platform to publish research and pedagogy relating to teaching and learning at the University level, and in particular to Open and Distance Learning (ODL). It also provides a forum for research and review articles related in the areas of Agriculture, Natural Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences and Health Sciences.

Convocation Address - IV

The OUSL Journal is a peer-reviewed open access journal published by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). It is the first scholarly journal in Sri Lanka focusing on research in the field of Open and Distance Learning (ODL), and is being published since 1997. The journal provides a platform to publish research and pedagogy relating to teaching and learning at the University level, and in particular to Open and Distance Learning (ODL). It also provides a forum for research and review articles related in the areas of Agriculture, Natural Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences and Health Sciences.

Convocation Address II - Opening up the Open Universities

The OUSL Journal is a peer-reviewed open access journal published by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). It is the first scholarly journal in Sri Lanka focusing on research in the field of Open and Distance Learning (ODL), and is being published since 1997. The journal provides a platform to publish research and pedagogy relating to teaching and learning at the University level, and in particular to Open and Distance Learning (ODL). It also provides a forum for research and review articles related in the areas of Agriculture, Natural Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences and Health Sciences.

Convocation Address I - Miles to go before I sleep

The OUSL Journal is a peer-reviewed open access journal published by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). It is the first scholarly journal in Sri Lanka focusing on research in the field of Open and Distance Learning (ODL), and is being published since 1997. The journal provides a platform to publish research and pedagogy relating to teaching and learning at the University level, and in particular to Open and Distance Learning (ODL). It also provides a forum for research and review articles related in the areas of Agriculture, Natural Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences and Health Sciences.

A comparative study of student support services of Allama Iqbal Open University and the Open University of Sri lanka

This paper attempts to compare the availability, quality, similarities and differences in student support services offered by the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) Pakistan and The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). It also aims to identify and report the deficiencies that students of both the institutions face in the student support services. To achieve the desired end, four hundred students (two hundred from each university) were taken as sample and a thirty eight item questionnaire (Likert scale) was constructed and pilot tested. The reliability of the research tool was found to be 0.84 (Cornbach’s Alpha). The questionnaire was divided into seven dimensions that is general services, regional office services, tutorial services, counselling services; media support services and library services. After collecting the data from the respondents from both the countries, independent sample t-test was run by using SPSS XII. The study found out that student support services of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) Pakistan and The Open University of Sri Lanka are quantitatively developing rapidly on the same lines. The tutorial services, counselling services, media support services and library services of both the institutions have almost the same status. Student from the Open University of Sri Lanka enjoy better facilities in general services, regional office services and overall services. The conclusion leads to the recommendations that Allama Iqbal Open University (AOIU) Pakistan should improve student support services in all dimensions but more emphasis should be laid on general and regional office services. Key words: AIOU, OUSL, distance education, student support services.

Comparison of some background characteristics of students who have completed and not completed the Foundation Programme in Social Studies

Low rates of completion of study programmes are related to a variety of factors including backgrounds of students such as sex, age and previous education. Although some studies have compiled student profiles for selected study programmes at the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL), no research has been carried out to establish relationships between student profiles and academic performance. This paper presents the findings of a pioneering study, which compares the selected background characteristics of students with their levels of academic success. Information on social backgrounds and academic performance is obtained from the application forms and the OUSL examination records respectively. The similarities and differences between those who completed it are examined using percentages, averages and two statistical measures of relationship, namely lambda and gamma. The study found that those who come from urban areas and aged between 40 to 55 years had a higher rate of completion. The study has many implications for the OUSL in terms of academic support to be granted to high-risk students. doi: 10.4038/ouslj.v2i0.364 OUSL Journal (1999) Vol.2, (pp.65-79)

Student satisfaction with OUSL support services

The OUSL Journal is a peer-reviewed open access journal published by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). It is the first scholarly journal in Sri Lanka focusing on research in the field of Open and Distance Learning (ODL), and is being published since 1997. The journal provides a platform to publish research and pedagogy relating to teaching and learning at the University level, and in particular to Open and Distance Learning (ODL). It also provides a forum for research and review articles related in the areas of Agriculture, Natural Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences and Health Sciences.

Ensuring quality in Distance Education: Development of instructional material in Microbiology under the Department for International Development (DfID) UK Project

The OUSL Journal is a peer-reviewed open access journal published by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). It is the first scholarly journal in Sri Lanka focusing on research in the field of Open and Distance Learning (ODL), and is being published since 1997. The journal provides a platform to publish research and pedagogy relating to teaching and learning at the University level, and in particular to Open and Distance Learning (ODL). It also provides a forum for research and review articles related in the areas of Agriculture, Natural Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences and Health Sciences.

Editorial

The OUSL Journal is a peer-reviewed open access journal published by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). It is the first scholarly journal in Sri Lanka focusing on research in the field of Open and Distance Learning (ODL), and is being published since 1997. The journal provides a platform to publish research and pedagogy relating to teaching and learning at the University level, and in particular to Open and Distance Learning (ODL). It also provides a forum for research and review articles related in the areas of Agriculture, Natural Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences and Health Sciences.

Information needs and information use: a research based on Social Scientists at the Open University of Sri Lanka

This study focuses on the information needs, use of resources by required by academics of the Social Sciences Department at the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). The questionnaire and interview were used as instruments in this study to collect data. The response rate was 100% due to higher cooperation. A conceptual model was used to identify and assess the information needs of the academic staff. The study revealed that the multiple role of OUSL academic in the distance mode is different to that of an academic in the conventional setup hence their information needs are different, Academic in the distance mode depends heavily on the Internet, text books and subject journals as their major sources of information to fulfill their different needs. OUSL main library is used for writing and to revising course materials. Research needs are mainly fulfilled through special libraries in the country. Main obstacle that they face is getting sufficient materials in their specialized subject areas. Therefore, both printed and electronic collection of the OUSL library must be strengthened to meet the specific research needs of the academic staff members. Key words: Information needs, Social scientists, Library usage, Teaching higher education, Distance education system, Academic staff needs doi: 10.4038/jula.v12i0.328 Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka (Vol. 12) 2008 p.47-67

DESIGNING INTERFACE FOR INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA: LEARNER PERCEPTIONS ON THE DESIGN FEATURES

Interactive Multimedia (IMM) package has a greater potential of supporting individual differences of learners due to its inherent strength of media attributes. This study was carried out to explore the design features of IMM, which was specially designed to support the open and distant learners, studying Microbiology as a part of the B.Sc. Degree program, of the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL), with the purpose of explaining the dynamic abstract concepts in Microbiology. When designing the IMM emphasis was placed on the design features, interface design in particular, in order to help the learners to achieve a meaningful learning experience. The purpose of this research paper is to explore learner perceptions of the design features of the IMM and, in developing a more user friendly, authentic instructional package. As such, quantitative and qualitative research methods were used by means of questionnaires, interviews and observations. Evaluation reveals many supportive and constructive outcomes, and suggests improvements in providing a better support for learners studying science subjects at a distance. In the context of the university using new technologies, especially for delivery, the results of this study would be a great asset.

How can Open and Distance Learning effectively facilitate IT Education in Sri Lanka?

The state university system has been frequently criticized for not producing adequate IT manpower for the development of the country. In responding to this issue, the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) has been offering Computer Science, Computer Engineering and various basic IT courses through the distance mode for many years. This study investigates whether a prior knowledge of IT contributes to improved performance in Computer Science education at the university level. This research was carried out using two groups: students who concurrently follow Computer Science and a common IT course in the university and students who follow Computer Science but not a common IT course. Students performance records were used for the analysis. In this research, it is empirically revealed that offering well-designed certificate or diploma programmes in IT at the pre-university level will be of immense benefit. This serves two purposes; firstly, such a programme could be used as a means for preparing students for the degree level Computer Science course. Secondly, it can strengthen IT manpower in the country, as IT knowledge of this level adequately serves the majority of IT needs in the country. It is proposed that the OUSL should respond to this national need by offering more certificate or diploma courses in IT nationwide. Finally, it is also proposed that the OUSL should explore the possibility of private sector collaboration in offering certificate and diploma level programmes in IT nationwide. doi:10.4038/ouslj.v4i0.338 OUSL Journal (2007) Vol.4, (pp.53-71)

Convocation Address II - Early Education as seen by a student

The OUSL Journal is a peer-reviewed open access journal published by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). It is the first scholarly journal in Sri Lanka focusing on research in the field of Open and Distance Learning (ODL), and is being published since 1997. The journal provides a platform to publish research and pedagogy relating to teaching and learning at the University level, and in particular to Open and Distance Learning (ODL). It also provides a forum for research and review articles related in the areas of Agriculture, Natural Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences and Health Sciences.

Convocation Address I - Globalisation and its Implication on Education and Human Resource Development

The OUSL Journal is a peer-reviewed open access journal published by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). It is the first scholarly journal in Sri Lanka focusing on research in the field of Open and Distance Learning (ODL), and is being published since 1997. The journal provides a platform to publish research and pedagogy relating to teaching and learning at the University level, and in particular to Open and Distance Learning (ODL). It also provides a forum for research and review articles related in the areas of Agriculture, Natural Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences and Health Sciences.

Use of Computer Technology for the teaching of primary school mathematics

The OUSL Journal is a peer-reviewed open access journal published by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). It is the first scholarly journal in Sri Lanka focusing on research in the field of Open and Distance Learning (ODL), and is being published since 1997. The journal provides a platform to publish research and pedagogy relating to teaching and learning at the University level, and in particular to Open and Distance Learning (ODL). It also provides a forum for research and review articles related in the areas of Agriculture, Natural Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences and Health Sciences.

Convocation Address III - Open Universities - Agents of Change in Knowledge Societies

The OUSL Journal is a peer-reviewed open access journal published by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). It is the first scholarly journal in Sri Lanka focusing on research in the field of Open and Distance Learning (ODL), and is being published since 1997. The journal provides a platform to publish research and pedagogy relating to teaching and learning at the University level, and in particular to Open and Distance Learning (ODL). It also provides a forum for research and review articles related in the areas of Agriculture, Natural Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences and Health Sciences.

(Arene)Ru(II) Complexes of P-N Ligands

The OUSL Journal is a peer-reviewed open access journal published by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). It is the first scholarly journal in Sri Lanka focusing on research in the field of Open and Distance Learning (ODL), and is being published since 1997. The journal provides a platform to publish research and pedagogy relating to teaching and learning at the University level, and in particular to Open and Distance Learning (ODL). It also provides a forum for research and review articles related in the areas of Agriculture, Natural Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences and Health Sciences.

Convocation Address - V

The OUSL Journal is a peer-reviewed open access journal published by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). It is the first scholarly journal in Sri Lanka focusing on research in the field of Open and Distance Learning (ODL), and is being published since 1997. The journal provides a platform to publish research and pedagogy relating to teaching and learning at the University level, and in particular to Open and Distance Learning (ODL). It also provides a forum for research and review articles related in the areas of Agriculture, Natural Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences and Health Sciences.

Convocation Address IV - Reflections on Education

The OUSL Journal is a peer-reviewed open access journal published by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). It is the first scholarly journal in Sri Lanka focusing on research in the field of Open and Distance Learning (ODL), and is being published since 1997. The journal provides a platform to publish research and pedagogy relating to teaching and learning at the University level, and in particular to Open and Distance Learning (ODL). It also provides a forum for research and review articles related in the areas of Agriculture, Natural Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences and Health Sciences.

Convocation Address - VI

The OUSL Journal is a peer-reviewed open access journal published by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). It is the first scholarly journal in Sri Lanka focusing on research in the field of Open and Distance Learning (ODL), and is being published since 1997. The journal provides a platform to publish research and pedagogy relating to teaching and learning at the University level, and in particular to Open and Distance Learning (ODL). It also provides a forum for research and review articles related in the areas of Agriculture, Natural Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences and Health Sciences.