Incorporating Cultural Components into the Design of an Affective Support Tool for the Malaysian Online Distance Learners

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The case presents an option to constructively respond to the perplexing phenomena of high attrition and dropout among Malaysian online distance learners despite the efficiency and various communicative and enabling components offered by the new learning and delivery technologies. It is written from the perspective of an instructional designer. The distinctive feature of the case is the needs-based design and the developmental approach that takes into consideration a cultural perspective and the affective component of the individual learner. The case is an exemplar; it centers on the design and development of an affective learning support tool for Malaysian adult online learners. It will (1) highlight teacher reverence as a cultural element pertaining to these learners and (2) illustrate a culturally sensitive approach capitalizing on the learner-instructor relationship taken to scaffold the learners' self direction and motivational self regulation. Findings from the formative evaluation of the tool will also be described to aid further reflection and discussion.