Developing a new learning system with social software by studying the learners' readiness and acceptance

E-learning has increasingly been used by educational institutions to support their learning activities. However, previous studies have shown that the traditional e-learning model has put heavy emphasis on content delivery and technology (content and technology-centric model) instead without focusing on the social aspects of learning. Without these aspects, e-learning does not have the benefits of online learning community, personal learning environment and connectivism. This research aims to develop a new learning system (NLS) to the learners that integrates social software tools. The purpose of the NLS is to provide learners with a more collaborative, social and interactive learning experience in an online learning environment, which are rarely available in the traditional e-learning such as Blackboard. Past experiences have shown that new technologies do not necessary lead to major improvement in education. Therefore, to successfully implement the NLS, this research found that it is needed to assess readiness and acceptance of the learners in adapting to the different learning styles and learning experiences of the NLS. It also helps to understand the learners' learning needs and how they come to accept the NLS. In addition, this research has also carried out some theoretical studies on the social aspects of learning, collaborative learning, and investigation on the use of social software and its effect in learning to the learners. This is a multi-stage research, which incorporates theoretical analysis and empirical research through survey questionnaire. The second stage is subdivided into two phases. In the first phase, survey questionnaire was used to assess the learners' perceived readiness in adapting the NLS prior to the implementation of the prototype system. A prototype system was developed as the NLS based on the theoretical foundations and the research findings that this research has studied. The prototype system is then implemented for usability testing on the learners. In the second phase, another set of survey questionnaire was conducted on the learners who have participated in the usability testing to assess their acceptance towards the NLS. Overall, the participants show positive attitudes towards the NLS.