Management of Communication in Open Distance Learning (ODL) Programmes in Malaysia University: Understanding the Role of Administrators

Advancements in communication innovation and assortments of communication devices have brought touchy issues among instructors and administrators in online distance learning programmes. Contents and critical details of information relied on by administrators more often than none are not interpreted and acted upon correctly by the end-user—the ODL instructors. The main objective of this study is to investigate the technological handling capacity of ODL administrators that facilitates efficient and real-time learning in ODL programmes. This study was conducted using a phenomenological research design. Interviews were carried out with ODL administrators from Malaysian public and private universities offering ODL programmes. For this qualitative research work, the researcher used Atlasti qualitative data analysis software to analyze the transcribed interview data. Findings revealed different communication management initiatives were introduced by ODL administrators to ensure the effective delivery of teaching and learning by instructors in ODL programmes. The themes generated in support of the findings include interaction using ODL-related communication tools, regular training of ODL instructors, social networks, monitoring, and staffing processes. ODL Administrators allow the use of social media for learning but do not consider them as the official platform for teaching and communication. Findings also revealed disparate views on training for ODL instructors.