FACULTY OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENNGINEERING

FOUNDATION IN ENGINEEERING (BDX)

UHB30102: ENGLISH FOR TECHNICAL PURPOSES

RESEARCH PROPOSAL (GROUP 7)

PREPARED BY:

NO. NAME MATRIX NO.

1. LOH CHUN HAO AD200167
2. NAQIUDDIN NAZHAN HUSNA B ZUNAIDI AD200006
3. MOHD SHUKRI BIN SAPARI CD200025
4. MUHAMMAD ARIF HAFIZ BIN HAIRUDDIN AD200116
5. MUHAMMAD ASYRAF HAKIM BIN RIZAL AD200129
TOPIC: UTHM STUDENTS ACCESSIBILITY TOWARDS DEVICES IN ONLINE
LEARNING

INTRODUCTION

With the educational trend of online learning, students may learn anything they want at
their own pace. While education is important in the present world, it is as important to take
student interests seriously. E-learning makes it possible for students to learn most of the
subjects. Suitable device also helped the student to access all the needed. Accessibility is an
important consideration when it comes to online learning, as it ensures that all students,
regardless of their abilities, can fully participate in the learning experience. One key aspect of
accessibility is the device that students use to access the online learning materials. A device
that is accessible for online learning should be easy to use, compatible with assistive
technologies, and have features that make it easier for students with disabilities to read and
navigate the materials. There were several devices that can be used for online learning such as
laptop, tablet and smartphone. Usually, the cheap device had a poor specification that will make
their accessibility become limited. Smart devices, such as laptops and tablets, can be expensive,
and many students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, may not have the
financial resources to purchase one. The financial problem faced by the UTHM students from
different background from getting smart device for online learning. Due to financial problem,
It will be difficult for them to had an online learning because common device had limited
accessibility that make them left behind from getting learning. Mobile devices even became
prominent mediums of online education during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many platforms were
created by university to ensure the student reached the learning material and application such
as google meet and zoom were used to simplify the teaching process. Unfortunately, its not
easy for less able student because their device will have problem such as lagging while using
that platform. Beside that, several cheap devices also had a problem in supporting that
application which mean the student cannot even enter their class. As noted above, the university
will play an important role in solving predominantly problem that were faced by the student by
searching the problem that were faced by the student in accessibility toward devices in online
learning.
BACKGROUND STUDY

Online learning has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it allows for flexibility
and convenience for learners. However, for individuals with disabilities, accessing online
learning materials and participating in virtual classes can be a challenge.

Nowadays, device was an important technology for student in their learning. Has been
stated that device such as smartphone is beneficial, significant, and required for learning
process in educational institution. However, not all students were capable to buy a good device
because of financial problem. They rather to save their money for food and pay their tuition
fee and need to do a part time job just to buy a normal device such as affordable smartphone.
Device such as high specification laptop was very important to the engineering student in
UTHM because it can support a lot of programming and drawing software which mean B40
student cannot afford to have it. The students that engage in this online course not specifically
designed for mobile learning on their devices will left behind.

Online learning is no longer an innovation but has become the norm in the majority of the
universities in the institution. As such, institutions cannot assume that all students use only PCs
or laptops for their online coursework. As institutions continue to seek ways to support students
regarding technology and online learning, mobile device users should not be ignored. Several
studies have been conducted on the accessibility of online learning for individuals with
disabilities. These studies have found that while online learning can provide opportunities for
individuals with disabilities to participate in education, there is a need for improvements in the
design and development of online learning platforms and materials to ensure accessibility for
all learners.

Overall, there is a need for more research on accessibility of online learning for individuals
with disabilities and for increased awareness and efforts to make online learning accessible for
all learners.
PROBLEM STATEMENT

The purpose of this study is to find out UTHM students accessibility towards devices in
online learning. Underserved students have access to fewer devices and lower quality
internet. Unfair access to electronic devices and effective internet coverage contributes to
opportunity and achievement gap in education. Moreover, gadgets has a moderately positive
impact in learning but it also has a slightly negative impact. It was also deducted that there
was no significant correlation between the frequency of use and the impact of gadgets.

Students from B40 family has tighter budget on buying an learning device and were left out
from online studies due to parents’ financial constraint. It is important for students to receive
proper education through electronic learning classes during current new norm of education
and ensure that no students are being left out.

Advances in modern computer and network technology have driven the development of
distance education. Online learning based on Internet services has become available and
universal, facilitating the learning system. universities use online resources to continue their
educational journey through software applications such as Zoom and Google meet. Poor
connection and coverage of internet creates a gap for easy learning systems since access to
social media is a beneficial source of information and communication
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

This study aims to identify UTTHM students’ accessibility towards devices in online learning
to help improve learning experience. The objective contributes to more opportunity and
achievement in education

1) To identify the appropriate devices for UTHM students according to their academic
fields
2) To identify the solution for poor financial status of UTHM students
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESEARCH

The accessibility of devices for students in online learning is a crucial factor in the
success and effectiveness of the learning experience. With the shift to digital learning in recent
years, many students have been forced to adapt to learning through online platforms and remote
instruction. However, not all students have equal access to the devices and technology
necessary to fully participate in this type of learning. Research in this area can help to identify
the barriers to device accessibility and provide solutions to increase access for students.

One important aspect of this research is identifying the types of devices that students have
access to. This includes not only laptops and computers, but also smartphones, tablets, and
other mobile devices. Additionally, researchers must consider the internet connectivity and
technical capabilities of these devices, as well as the software and apps that are required for
online learning.

Another important aspect of research in this area is understanding the impact of device
accessibility on student outcomes. This can include academic performance, engagement in the
learning process, and overall satisfaction with the online learning experience. For example,
students with limited access to devices may struggle to keep up with the pace of online classes,
complete assignments on time, or participate fully in group discussions.

By understanding the significance of device accessibility in online learning, educators and

Ministry of Higher Education can work to ensure that all students have the resources they need
to succeed in a digital learning environment. This can include providing devices to students in
need, offering technical support and training, and creating policies that support digital equity.
Ultimately, by addressing the issue of device accessibility in online learning, we can help to
create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.
LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The sample selected for this study was specifically students who were pursuing in
University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia since all of the group members are from this university.
Hence, the process of conducting the survey to the targeted audiences is more convenient.
However, there are several limitations to conducting a study on student's accessibility towards
devices at UTHM.

First, the sample size of students at UTHM may be limited, which can affect the
generalizability of the findings to the entire student population. The survey will be conducted
towards 50 random students from different faculty and academic fields. Then, as students are
the ones reporting on their device accessibility, their responses may be biased or not entirely
accurate. It can be difficult to control for extraneous variables that may affect the results of the
study, such as students' socio-economic background, prior knowledge, or learning styles.
LITERATURE REVIEW

Devices technology is currently developing very rapidly and are involved in all aspects
of life. Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human
life or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and manipulation of the human environment.
In addition, Ahmadi, M. R. [2017] stated that one of the important elements for learning is the
method that instructors use in their classes to facilitate language learning process. According
to Becker, H. J. [2000], computers are regarded as an important instructional instrument in
language classes in which teachers have convenient access, are sufficiently prepared, and have
some freedom in the curriculum. Suitable device is regarded by a lot of teachers and lecturers
to be a significant part of providing a high -quality education.

According to Bull, S., and Ma, Y. [2001], technology provides offers unlimited
resources to learners. They also declare that the use of suitable technological materials can be
useful for learners and teachers should encourage learners to find appropriate activities through
using computer technology in order to be successful in education. Performance is arguably the
most important metric of any device, and the CPU is the heart of that. You want at the very
least a dual core CPU with simultaneous multithreading/ hyperthreading, but a quad core will
make a big difference to your everyday PC performance. Recommended specs for a laptop
purchase in 2022 are 8 gigs of RAM, 512 GB of SSD storage, and 4 gigabytes of dedicated
VRAM (Video RAM). However, high performance laptops are more expensive than low
performance laptops due to the development costs to create hardware that is compact enough
and at the same time meets an expected level of performance. A study on student’s readiness
for e-learning revealed that 36.9% of students in Malaysia did not own electronic devices.
METHODOLOGY

This study used a cross-sectional descriptive research design with the online survey as
the primary instrument for data gathering. This project is carried out to identify the accessibility
towards devices in online learning. We have selected several UTHM students to serve as our
responses. We chose this group of students since they previously took classes online during the
period of COVID-19, which makes it easy to determine whether they use the proper equipment
while conducting class meetings. To be more specific, the survey will be administered to 50
randomly selected students from various faculties and academic fields. In this study, we employ
a qualitative approach in the form of a questionnaire survey, we distribute questionnaires via
Google form to the students. We conduct this questionnaire to gather information about their
background, device use, internet access, and classroom adoption of device technology. In order
to get reliable information about how students adapt in class by using the device they have; we
distribute the survey after a few weeks of teaching or learning sessions. Once the data have
been collected, we may use the features of the Google form to build charts for analysis. We
can get the organised data and percentage needed for the analysis using the Google Forms tool.
The results of this data analysis will show how well students have adapted to using devices
during teaching and learning sessions.
CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the main findings of the study, which is that UTHM students have
varying levels of accessibility to devices, with some students facing significant challenges in
obtaining and maintaining access to the technology they need to participate fully in their
education specially to attend the online classes and doing assignment. The study also revealed
that students from lower-income families which is B40 families, and students in rural areas are
particularly affected by this issue. This means that there is a digital divide in education and
students from that categories are at a disadvantage when it comes to technology access which
affects their education.

Furthermore, the study found that expensive devices can perform tasks more efficiently
compared to cheap devices. The study revealed that expensive devices have better processing
power, more advanced features, and higher quality components, which allow them to perform
tasks faster and more accurately. Additionally, expensive devices are more durable and have
longer lifetimes, which can save money in the long run. However, it is important to note that
the cost of a device does not always guarantee that it will be more efficient. Factors such as the
specific use case, the user's experience level, and the software and applications being used can
also play a role in determining a device's overall performance.

Other than that, there is a need for increased funding and support to ensure that all
students have equal access to devices, as well as ongoing support for troubleshooting and
maintenance. This means that there is a need for more resources to provide students with
devices. Additionally, targeted efforts to support students who are most at risk of being left
behind should be implemented, such as providing low-cost or free devices. This means that
there should be more efforts to ensure that the students who are most at risk of being left behind
will be provided with the necessary resources to be able to participate fully in their education.

Overall, the study highlights the importance of addressing the digital divide in
education among UTHM students, and the need for continued efforts to ensure that all students
have the devices and support they need to succeed. This means that the study emphasizes the
importance of addressing the issue of digital divide in education and the need to continue efforts
to provide resources to students.
REFERENCES

[1] Ahmadi, M. R. (2017). The impact of motivation on reading comprehension.

International Journal of Research in English Education. http://www.ijreeonline.com

[2] Becker, H. J. (2000). Findings from the teaching, learning, and computing survey: Is
Larry Cuban, right? Education Policy Analysis Archives, 8(51). Doi:
http://dx.doi.org/10.14507/epaa.v8n51.2000

[3] Bull, S., & Ma, Y. (2001) Raising learner awareness of language learning strategies in
situations of limited recourses. Interactive Learning Environments, 9(2), 171-200. Doi:
10.1076/ilee.9.2.171.7439

[4] Hodges. (2020, March 27). The difference between emergency remote teaching and
online learning. EDUCAUSE. Retrieved from
https://er.educause.edu/articles/2020/3/the-difference-between-emergency-remote-
teaching-and-online-learning
APPENDICES

Meeting date Meeting agenda Meeting time

23rd December 1. Discuss about the topic of the research 9.00 pm – 10.30 pm
2022 proposal.
2. Discuss about the problem statement from
the topic.
3. Discuss about the objective of the
research proposal.

30th December 1. Improve the topic scope of the research 9.00 pm – 10.30 pm
2022 proposal.
2. Improve the idea of problem statement
and objective.
3. Discuss about significance of the project.
4. Create a poster about the research
proposal.
6th January 2023 1. Discuss about the literature review of the 9.00 pm – 10.30 pm
research proposal.
2. Find the journal article about the topic.
3. Divide the task to write full research
proposal.