Abstract:

Research on the affordances and constraints offered in the distance learning environment, learner support, and the demands placed on learners to manage their own learning is still lacking in Malaysia. The purpose of this study is to examine social networking among adult learners in a distance learning course. The participants comprised 64 first-year students who were pursuing their B.A. English degree through a distance learning programme. They come from 13 different states in Malaysia. Their age ranged from mid-20s to late 40s. The learners were taking an expository writing course. The course is one semester long and aims to develop students’ academic writing skills. In this course, an e-learning platform was created to help the distance learners form social network via asynchronous online forum. The findings showed the majority of the learners gradually adjusting to the e-Learning platform and used the online discussion forum to share their experiences, concerns, and information with other course mates. The benefits gained from networking with other course mates and adapting to the affordances in the virtual environment have changed their attitudes and learning approach. Data collected from the discussions in the asynchronous online forum and learning logs will be presented.

Keywords:

adult distance learners, e-learning platform, social network.