Applying Open Course Ware to Improve Non-Information Majors’ Computer Skills and Self-Directed Learning

Abstract

In recent years, more and more institutions are using e-learning techniques to help students learn better. Many online resources such as Open Course Ware enhance students’ finding their own solutions to solve problems. Teachers are also better able to create and locate digital materials for their students. This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of using Open Course Ware in a Cloud Classroom to improve the computer skills and the ability for self-directed learning (SDL) of students who are not information or technology majors. This study focused on university students taking a course titled ‘Information Technology: Office Applications’. Data from students’ computer skills exams and results from a self-directed learning scale were compiled and analyzed. The findings showed that students who used Open Course Ware improved their overall computer skills and the ability to self-direct their learning than those did not use it. The findings and results of this study could contribute to the further development of web-based learning and offer a creative teaching direction to teachers who are presently using web-based instruction or those who may want to do so in the future.