How Much Do I Matter? A Study on Mattering among Distance Learners

Abstract

The inception of distance learning in the Malaysian educational landscape began in the 1970's and ever since then the growth in distance learning kept increasing year by year. Despite the demand for distance learning due to the many benefits that it offers, there have been issues experienced by distance learners as well. Many studies have investigated the situation and relate them with university mattering. University mattering is an area of study that helps higher learning institutions understand on aspects that make learners feel that they matter. Hence, this study was conducted for the purpose of understanding distance learners' experience of mattering at their higher learning institution in the local setting. The objectives of this pilot study are twofold. Firstly, it is to investigate distance learners' perceptions of mattering with their faculty members and secondly, to investigate distance learners' perceptions of mattering with regards to their university's administration. Students coming from semester two onwards were selected as part of this study. Semi structured interviews were conducted via online, and data collected were presented based on the two objectives outlined in this study. Findings from the study revealed interesting outcomes which build as a platform for future studies on mattering among distance learners at higher learning institutions in the Malaysian educational setting.