Mobile learning support to distance learners: A study on the usage pattern

Harvinder Kaur Dharam Singh, Tai Kwan Woo, Tick Meng Lim and Mansor Fadzil
Open University Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

WhatsApp Messenger is a popular mobile application which is commonly adopted by people in Malaysia. Since its use is pervasive among Open University Malaysia (OUM) learners, this paper examines how the University attempts to use this recent mobile technology as a tool for supporting learning. The pilot project was implemented with a new group of about 3,000 first-semester learners. The mobile learning messages were in the form of images, audio and video, in addition to the text format. There are four areas of mobile learning support, viz. (1) important announcements; (2) learning tips; (3) a guide to myVLE (OUM’s learning management system); and (4) information on helpdesk support available in the University. A preliminary survey was conducted using the Google Drive survey instrument, and it was communicated to the learners via WhatsApp. This paper outlines the OUM’s efforts and processes in implementing WhatsApp as a tool for mobile learning support, and distance learners’ experience and usage pattern for the mobile learning messages.