STUDY FROM HOME! THE ANTECEDENTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF COLLABORATIVE LEARNING ON MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Aim/Purpose Drawing on transactional distance theory (TDT) and collaborative learning, this research proposes a research model to examine the role of collaborative learn-ing during the COVID-19 pandemic. It investigates the potential antecedents that influence students' academic achievements, autonomy, and satisfaction with online learning platforms. Background The coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic devastating the world has shaken the global educational system;such a transformation compelled all educational insti-tutes to utilize online learning platforms. Malaysian higher educational institu-tions were greatly concerned by this disease and faced considerable transfor-mations that affected higher education learners. Additionally, the campus clo-sure and movement regulations impacted traditional education. Thus, the Ma-laysian Government ordered students at higher education institutions to return to their hometowns and continue their studies through online learning. There-fore, online learning was the most reasonable alternative to resume the learning process. Furthermore, in the educational world, collaborative learning is pivotal to forming students' interpersonal skills. Collaborative learning practice is work-ing in pairs or small groups to attain the learning objectives collaboratively. Col-laborative learning refers to the process of acquiring knowledge in a collabora-tive setting as opposed to alone. Since the instructor and students are in sepa-rate locations, it is challenging for the teacher to facilitate collaborative learning. Methodology This study utilized a quantitative method;purposive sampling was implemented, and the data were collected from 260 university students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, as long as they were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. The questionnaire for this research was designed to fit the research hypothesis. The items of the questionnaire have been adapted to certify the content's valid-ity. The collected data were analyzed using Smart PLS software, which has been utilized as an essential data analysis tool. Contribution This research contributes to: (1) a better understanding of the importance of communication and connection among students-students and teachers in online learning environments, as the results suggest that the more communication be-tween students, teachers, and the environment itself, the greater the academic achievements, learners' autonomy, and satisfaction;and (2) the role of both col-laborative learning and TDT on learners' academic achievements, autonomy, and satisfaction. Findings This study advances by incorporating TDT and collaborative learning theories. This research model illustrates six main factors in online learning platforms that enhance students' academic achievements, autonomy, and satisfaction through collaborative learning. The results showed a strong association between TDT and collaborative learning regarding the online learning platforms' utilization for improving academic achievements, learners' autonomy, and satisfaction. Recommendations for Practitioners This model provided exceptional support to students during this sudden switch to online alternatives and helped them cope with the considerable challenges they faced under the current circumstances. Moreover, this model provides a guideline for higher education teachers and administrators for coping with online learning platforms. Recommendations for Researchers Drawing on the association between TDT and collaborative learning regarding the utilization of online learning platforms for improving academic achieve-ments, learners' autonomy, and learner satisfaction, the research result presents a road map for researchers in the field of online learning. Accordingly, research-ers are encouraged to utilize these theories, as they can lead to improvements among online learners in higher education institutions. Impact on Society This preliminary model, which was developed throughout this research, will be a great support to both researchers and instructors to be able to utilize and elab-orate in accordance with the role of online platforms on students' satisfaction, autonomy, and academic achievements. It is critical for higher education admin-istrators to pay more attention to the nature of communication between stu-dents and student instructors, which has been shown to have a positive influ-ence on their academic achievements, to implement online learning. Moreover, instructors and course developers must be trained and skilled to achieve online learning platform goals.Future Research Future research could include more information about blended learning envi-ronments and their relationship to the technology acceptance model as an online learning model. Researchers may extend the model used in this study © 2023, Journal of Information Technology Education: Research.All Rights Reserved.

Online Learning and Students' Ethical Behavior During Covid-19: For Better or for Worse?

With Covid-19 limiting social interaction to prevent the spread of viral infections, the education sector in Indonesia, 'forced' schools and higher education to carry out online learning. However, there is a concern that online learning may affect the students' ethical behavior. As there is no human interaction, students are getting used to not meeting people or socializing, so they tend to ignore ethical norms in socializing. The purpose of the study is to find out if students' ethical behavior is related to interpersonal and communication skills. The study used a quantitative method with a sample of 132 active students at the Creativepreneurship Study Program using purposive sampling. The findings showed online learning supports communication and interpersonal skills, but unable to form students' ethical behavior. Online learning behavior, online courses require definite objectives, inner motives, synchronous feedback, and independence of the learners. Even though there are rules regarding ethical behaviour, the rules themselves are not able to influence the student's ethical behavior. Online learning and students' behavior is not only the responsibility of the lecturer, but also the responsibility of the students and their parents. © 2022 IEEE.

Dynamic Modeling and Identification of the COVID-19 Stochastic Dispersion

In this work, the stochastic dispersion of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at the borders between France and Italy has been considered using a multi-input multi-output stochastic model. The physical effects of wind, temperature and altitude have been investigated as these factors and physical relationships are stochastic in nature. Stochastic terms have also been included to take into account the turbulence effect, and the r and om nature of the above physical parameters considered. Then, a method is proposed to identify the developed model's order and parameters. The actual data has been used in the identification and prediction process as a reference. These data have been divided into two parts: The first part is used to calculate the stochastic parameters of the model which are used to predict the COVID-19 level, while the second part is used as a check data. The predicted results are in good agreement with the check data. © 2022 IEEE.

Differences in Physical and Mental Health of Older Adults over the Covid-19 Pandemic from Face-to-Face versus Hybrid Methods

Background/Purpose: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in data collection methods have been introduced in research to ensure continuity despite physical distancing and lockdown restrictions. Our objective was to compare differences in physical and mental health of older adults participating in falls research using data collection methods pre-covid-19 pandemic (face-to-face) and during the pandemic (hybrid). Method(s): Individuals aged 60 years and over with at least one fall in the past 12 months, and controls with no history of falls in the past 12 months were recruited. Pre-pandemic, individuals were interviewed face-to-face exclusively, those interviews after the start of the pandemic were conducted virtually with physical assessments conducted face-to-face to minimize physical contact. Cognitive status, physical performance, psychological status, quality of life, physical activity, and social participation were measured. Result(s): Of the 145 participants of similar socio-demographic backgrounds, 69 were interviewed face-to-face, while 76 were assessed using a hybrid method. Differences were observed in presence of fall characteristics, with fewer fallers seeing a doctor and more fallers attending the emergency department after the start of the pandemic. After adjustment for baseline differences, participants interviewed using hybrid status had lower depression scores (OR (95%CI)=0.29(0.14-0.61)) and stress scores (OR(95%CI)=0.33(0.15-0.72)), but greater fear of falling (OR(95%CI)=2.16(1.04-4.48)) and reduced social participation (OR(95%CI)=2.64(1.20-5.79)). Conclusion(s): Alterations in data collection methods to overcome pandemic restrictions should take into consideration potential differences in individuals who agree to participate as well as the influence of major life events on the psychological status of participants. Copyright © 2022, Full Universe Integrated Marketing Limited. All rights reserved.

Determination Of Had Kifayah Zakat Among Pre-Graduate Students At Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (Usim)

Had Kifayah refers to a minimum basic necessity rate set based on the current cost of living. The objective of this paper is to determine the current Had Kifayah for asnaf candidates focusing more on USIM Pre-Graduate students as the target group. The research method used are the qualitative and quantitative which apart from referring to existing writing and references, a survey was conducted to obtain the latest data from asnaf students through previous databases. The survey has been conducted via online instead one to one interview due to Covid-19 pandemic. Through a survey that covers aspects of student spending and income, the average of spending method has been used as per agreed with all team members to determine the Had Kifayah, in line with the method used by the state Islamic religious council as a reference. With the improvements made in the agreed calculation system, a more accurate calculation method has been developed and at the same time can help the process of proper distribution of zakat.

Pentahelix management model for the development of cave geo-ecotourism in Ngestirejo, Tanjungsari district, Gunungkidul Regency, DIY, Indonesia

Tritis cave ngestirejo, tanjungsari located in the area of Inclusive international geopark gunungsewu. There are thousands of cave which is located in the landscape of natural karst gunungsewu. Historically, the caves were used as ancient human Habitation, hiding place, and as a place of meditation. Due to the recent development of tourism, the cave has become an exclusive tourism potential. Tritis ngestirejo cave has its own uniqueness and attraction from morphology, biodiversity, and legends that make it one of the tourists destination that applies ecotourism principles. Ecotourism is one of the development of sustainable tourism that emphasizes aspects of nature conservation and community welfare. This research aims to develop touristict object in tune with the local wisdom. This qualitative research using pentahelix management models. Primary data collection through observation, focus group discussion, interviews and in-depth interviews. Secondary data were obtained from various sources (documents, articles, journals). Results of this research shows that the village ngestirejo has a completed potential source to become attractive cave geo-ecotourism. Pentahelix synergy that is the community, government, stakeholders are built. However, there are obstacles, especially those related to climate factors and global conditions (pandemic covid-19). © 2021 American Institute of Physics Inc.. All rights reserved.

Measuring the service quality level at higher tvet institutes

The competition among Higher Learning Institute (HLI) are very stiff. With the resent COVID-19 pandemic, the challenge to attract new student and to retain the current student is required more efforts and initiative from HLIs. Thus, it is very critical for HLI to maintain and improve the service quality to the students as main customer. The main objective of this study is to measure the level of service quality in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) HLIs. The second objective is to measure the link between service quality and student satisfaction. SERVQUAL Model has been used to measure the service quality level. This research using quantitative approach whereby data collection was done by using questionnaire. The sampling for data collection is withdrawn from final year student by using purposive sampling method. 398 of completed questionnaires have been analyzed by using SPSS and PLS-SEM. The results shows that service quality is marginally high. The highest contribution is Assurance and Reliability factors. Based on the structural model, it is revealed that the service quality has positive and significant effect on student satisfaction. This research can extended to measure the effect of Service Quality towards Student Loyalty. © 2021, Universitatea de Vest Vasile Goldis din Arad. All rights reserved.

The Prevalence and Predictors of Post-Stroke Depression and Anxiety During COVID-19 Pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is associated with a rise in post-stroke depression (PSD) and anxiety (PSA). In this study, we evaluated the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the rates of PSD and PSA. METHODS: All stroke admissions to two hospitals in Saudi Arabia during two months were prospectively evaluated for PSD and PSA. NIHSS and serum TSH assessed on admission. PSD and PSA were evaluated using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Post-stroke disability was assessed by mRS, while social support assessed by Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). RESULTS: Among 50 participants (28 males), clinically significant PSD was found in 36%, while PSA in 32%. PSD associated with higher NIHSS (P < 0.001); lower MSPSS (P = 0.003); higher mRS (P = 0.001); and discontinuation of rehabilitation (P = 0.02). PSA was associated with higher TSH (P = 0.01); lower MSPSS (P = 0.03); while discontinuation of rehabilitation was related to less PSA (P = 0.034). Multivariate analysis showed that NIHSS (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 742-3.37; P = 0.01); and MSPSS score (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.47-0.94; P = 0.002) were associated with PSD; while PSA was related to TSH level (OR: 8.32, 95% CI:1.42-47.23; P = 0.02), and discontinuation of rehabilitation (OR: -0.96, 95% CI: -1.90-0.02; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Our research shows that the rise in PSD is related to stroke severity and this has not changed significantly during the pandemic; however, PSA showed a noticeable peak. Social deprivation and the lacking levels of rehabilitation related significantly to both.