Nursing must keep up with technology (The Star)

The nursing profession should be on par with the development of technology to ensure its relevance in the current era, said Open University Malaysia (OUM) chancellor Tun Jeanne Abdullah.

The wife of former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said it was critical to utilise technology to transform the manner nursing care was conceptualised and delivered.







In keeping up with the times, she said, technology should be integrated with nursing as it could contribute enormously to a patient’s health and well-being.



“Thus, integrating technology and caring behaviour in this profession can improve the service provided and maximise the desired patient outcome,” Jeanne said in her keynote address before officiating the International Conference on Nursing (Icon 2010) on Tuesday.

The two-day conference, titled “Technology and Innovation in Nursing”, was organised by OUM and aimed at providing opportunities for participants to deliberate on issues pertaining to clinical practices, education and management in nursing.

On the use of technology, Jeanne said it would bode well for the nursing field as it helped nurses provide a higher quality of care and reduced human error.



She added that the forum was significant for participants to share and discuss how to implement the new concept to the caring profession.

“This conference will be focusing on how technology can contribute to health care efficiency, quality, safety, and would also enhance nurses’ decision-making and patient care while easing overall workloads,” she said.

The inaugural international conference was attended by 222 participants from 22 countries, including Malaysia. A total of 30 papers were presented at the event. — Bernama

24th AAOU Annual Conference Hanoi Vietnam - Part 2

Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam delivers his opening address. Picture courtesy of Zulkhairi

The 24th Association of Asian Open Universities (AAOU) annual conference held in Hanoi from 26th to 28th October 2010 has brought many fond memories to 12 participants of Open University Malaysia. It was made more memorable with the warm greetings and kind hospitality provided by the host, Hanoi Open University.

The dragon dance performance during the opening ceremony. Picture courtesy of Zulhairi

Before coming to Vietnam, we generally have different perceptions towards Vietnam. But the moment we landed at the Noi Bai Hanoi International Airport, our perceptions were proven wrong. We were greeted by students volunteer, who could speak some good English, which all of us could understand. These students were holding placards with the AAOU 2010 words on it. They made us feel very much at home showing us the direction we required.

Yhung (in red), one of students volunteer meeting us on arrival at the Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi, Vietnam

Our group from OUM was taken care by 4 students, Yhung, Oanh, An, and Ken taking us from the airport to Melia Hanoi hotel where we stay. The hotel was also the venue of the conference.

At the ceramic factory. From left: Rina, Dr. Janet Woo, Richard Ng, Zulhairi, Iryanty and Umi

The Cho Dong Xuan bazar in Hanoi. Picture courtesy of Zulhairi

As our bosses (Tan Sri Anuwar Ali and Prof. Mansor) were busy at the AAOU Exco meeting, we took the opportunity to do a city tour of Hanoi where we visited the Ceramic and Silk Factory in the morning.

Group photo at the Melia Hanoi Hotel before our city tour

We stopped for lunch at the Nisa Restaurant, a Malaysian owned restaurant. Of course our meal is the local Pho (pronounced as fur) beef noodle soup. In the afternoon, we went shopping at the Cho Dong Xuan bazar where you can find all the things that you want from locally made biscuits, Nike and Adidas shoes, souvenirs, to products made of silks, leather belts and furniture. One of the unique things about Hanoi was that the people generally like to have tea and local liquor along the walk-way sitting on stools and small tables.

A typical scene on the streets of Hanoi City

Tan Sri Anuwar Ali (left), talking to Dr. Olubiyi Adeniyi Adewale of Nigeria Open University

Group photo after the dinner on the first night

We were hosted to a dinner for three consecutive nights. On the first night, we were hosted to a dinner by the Hanoi Open University, the conference organizer. We were treated to a 8-course meal with free flow drinks. We were also treated to a cultural performance during the second night hosted by the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam. On the final day of the conference, we were treated to a farewell dinner at the Sen Restaurant, located at the West Lake of Hanoi, approximately 45 minutes away from Melia Hanoi Hotel. It was hosted by the Deputy Minister of Vietnam. We were served with mostly local Vietnamese dishes.

Deputy PM of Vietnam, Prof. Nguyen, shaking hand with Tan Sri Anuwar Ali

Prof. Mansor (left) and Tan Sri Anuwar Ali among the participants at the conference

The signing ceremony of MOUs between Open University Malaysia, Hanoi Open University, Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia. Picture courtesy of Zulhairi

The proper conference started on the second day on 27th October 2010 at 8.30am. The conference was officially opened by the Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, Prof. Nguyen Thien Nham. It was followed by a cultural performance and dragon dance. Five keynote addresses were delivered. Several keynote addresses were also delivered. The highlight of the morning session was the signing of MOUs between Open University Malaysia and Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University of Thailand, Hanoi Open University, Philippines Open University and Universitas Terbuka Indonesia to collaborate on areas of developing programmes.

Posing in front of AAOU 2010 backdrop. From left: Prof. Latifah, Prof. Mansor. Tan Sri Anuwar Ali and Richard Ng

In the afternoon the parallel session began where participants presented their papers. Among the presenters from OUM include Prof. Mansor and Dr. Janet Woo.

Prof. Mansor gave a powerful presentation of his paper. Picture courtesy of Zulhairi

Prof. Mansor presented two papers entitled: "Widening Access and Improving Retention in Open and Distance Learning: The Strategies of Open University Malaysia" and "Helping distance learners stay connected: The effectiveness of mobile learning via SMS at Open University Malaysia".

Dr. Janet Woo presenting her shortlisted for Best Paper award paper

Dr. Janet's paper entitled, "Developing Quality Learning Materials for Effective Teaching and Learning in an ODL environment: Making the jump from print modules to online modules", was shortlisted for the best paper award.

Prof. Tan Sri Anuwar Ali delivers his keynote address

On the third day of the conference, on 28th October, 2010, Emeritus Prof. Tan Sri Dr. Anuwar Ali, President and Vice Chancellor of OUM, delivered his keynote address entitled "Going Global: Ensuring Sustainability, Access, Equity and Quality in Open and Distance Learning".

Richard Ng presenting his paper during the conference

In the afternoon, Richard Ng, Director of OUM Perak Learning Centre, presented his paper entitled: "Improving Graduation Rates of Open and Distance Learners via Online Community".

Umi Hanim asking for clarification during the parallel session

The 2-day conference witnessed the participation of over 500 participants from 22 countries. 173 papers were presented under 5 sub-themes. The main theme of the conference was: "OPEN DISTANCE LEARNING TOWARDS BUILDING SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES".

During the closing ceremony, the outgoing President of AAOU 2010, Prof. Tian Belawati of Indonesia, announced the incoming newly elected AAOU 2011-2013 President, Prof. Wong Tat Meng of Malaysia. Also announced was the winner of the best paper awards and Young Innovators award. The Gold Medal went to Korea, and the two Silver Medals went to the Philippines and Malaysia.

Participants of the AAOU 2010 conference from OUM took the opportunity to visit Ha Long Bay on the final day before departing for Malaysia. The group chartered a boat to take them to visit the mystical mountains which numbered about 2,000. The journey took us almost 3.5 hours to arrive from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. We spent almost 3 hours at the Ha Long Bay enjoying the scenic beauty and the Heaven Cave located at Ha Long Bay. The weather was good with temperature about 13 degrees Celcius.

24th AAOU Annual Conference Hanoi Vietnam - Part 1

Prof. Tian Belawati, President of AAOU 2010 delivering her speech

The 24th Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU) Annual Conference began in Hanoi on 26th Oct 2010. As usual the AAOU board members will hold their annual meeting to discuss any matters arising.

The dragon dance performance during the Opening Ceremony

Honoring the exco members of AAOU

Emeritus Prof. Dr. Anuwar Ali delivering his keynote address

Among the participants from OUM (from left), Prof. Dr. Latifah, Prof. Dr. Mansor Fadzil, Tan Sri Dr. Anuwar Ali and Richard Ng

The AAOU 2010 conference which was held at the Melia Hanoi hotel in Vietnam was officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, Prof. Nguyen Thien Minh. Earlier, Prof. Dr. Pham Minh Viet, Organizing Chairman of the conference delivered his welcoming address. The opening session was followed by a dragon dance performance. In his speech, Prof. Nguyen hoped that the conference will be able to assist Vietnam in developing its Open and Distance Learning.

Richard Ng with Prof. Pham of Hanoi Open University, the Organizing Chairman of AAOU 2010

Signing of MOU between Open University Malaysia and Open Universities of Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam

Among the keynote speakers invited to speak during the conference include Emeritus Prof. Dr. Anuwar Ali, the President of Open University Malaysia. Others include Prof. Asha Kanwar of Commonwealth of Learning, Emeritus Prof. Gajaraj Dhanarajan of Wawasan Open University, Prof. Jon Baggaley of Athabasca University, Prof. Insung Jung of International Christian University, Prof. Hiromitsu of The Open University of Japan, Prof. Lam of Thang Long University, and Dr. Gatot Hari of SEAMOLEC.

Prof. Mansor presenting his first paper

More than 500 participants from over 20 countries attended the 3-day conference. A total of 173 papers were presented under 5 different sub-themes; Ideology and philosophy; Partnership and Communication; Methodology and Technology; Sustainability, Accessibility,Equity and Quality; and Opportunities and Challenges. The most popular sub-theme is Methodology and Technology with 73 papers.

Recipients of the best paper award: (from left) Gold Medalist - Korea, Silver Medalist - Philippines, Prof. Tian Belawati, President of AAOU, Silver Medalist - Malaysia

Presenters from OUM include Prof. Mansor Fadzil (Senior VP), Prof. Latifah, Dr. Janet Woo Tai Kwan, Richard Ng, and Umi Hanim. Dr. Janet's paper was one of the shortlisted papers for best paper award.

For three consecutive nights, participants were hosted for dinners by Conference Organizer, The Ministry of Education and the Government of Vietnam. The 3-day conference ended on 28 October 2010. During the closing, it was announced that a new president for AAOU has been elected for the period 2011 till 2013.

Outgoing AAOU President, Prof. Tian Belawati of Indonesia (right) passing the AAOU flag to the newly elected AAOU President, Prof. Wong Tat Meng of Malaysia

The handover ceremony was held briefly with the passing of the AAOU flag from the current President Prof. Tian Belawati of Indonesia to Prof. Wong Tat Meng of Malaysia. It was also announced that the next AAOU Conference will be held in Penang in Sept 2011.

Participation from OUM at the Global Learn 2010 Conference

Being one of the hosts of Global Learn 2010 Conference held from May 17 to May 20 at the Park Royal Hotel and Holiday Inn Resorts in Penang, Open University Malaysia (OUM) has assisted in planning and organizing the conference and also provided the support required in terms of paper presenters, secretariat and technical support. Close to 500 people from 48 countries attended the conference.



Tan Sri Dr. Anuwar Ali delivering his keynote address

Heading the list of presenters from OUM was Prof. Emeritus Tan Sri Dr. Anwar Ali, President/Vice Chancellor of OUM who delivered a keynote address entitled: "Teaching Learning Framework through the power of Innovation. In his speech, Tan Sri Anuwar proposed the use of Howard Gardner's 5 Minds of Technological Innovations to spearhead education innovation.

Asha Kanwar of Commonwealth of Learning meeting Tan Sri Dr. Anuwar Ali after his keynote address

Among the staff of OUM who were present during the keynote address

Group photo with Tan Sri Dr. Anuwar Ali after the keynote address

Other presenters from OUM include; Prof. Dr. Zoraini Wati Abas, Assoc. Prof Dr. Lim Tick Ming, Dr. Janet Woo Tai Kwan, Dr. Rosmah Mohamad, Nantha Kumar, Richard Ng, Teo Hui Thian, Chiam Choi Chea and Sharifah Rosfashidah. Also present at the conference was Prof. Dr. Abtar Kaur.

Nantha Kumar and Richard Ng taking a picture at the entrance of the Conference Hall

Other staff present to provide assistance include Norziati who has acted as OUM secretariat, technical staff from OUM, which include Mazlan and 2 technical staff from OUM Perak; Ahmad Fahmi and Sharizal.

The team arrived on Sunday May 16, 2010 separately, some by car and some by air. They were checked into the Holiday Inn Resorts which is just opposite the conference venue.

The registration of participants started at 9.00am on May 17, 2010. In the morning, workshops and tutorials were held, which only involved our technical staff to provide technical support.

At 2.00pm, all participants assembled at the Andaman Ballroom of Park Royal Hotel for the opening ceremony by YB Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, deputy Minister of Higher Education of Malaysia. It was followed by the opening keynote address by James Taylor from University of Southern Queensland, Australia.

Richard Ng, presenting his paper




Sharifah presenting her paper

Paper presentation started at 3.30pm until 5.30pm. Presenters were divided into 10 groups presenting their papers through the parallel sessions. 5 rooms were allocated at the Park Royal Hotel and another 5 rooms at Holiday Inn Resorts which is just next to Park Royal.

Prof. Abtar Kaur, Prof. Zoraini and Richard Ng at one of the parallel sessions

Associate Prof. Dr. Lim Tick Meng was the first speaker from OUM presenting his paper at 4.45pm. He presented the full paper based on the topic, "An Innovative Approach Towards Learners' Assessment of Instructional Process (LAIP) in an ODL Environment. Later in the evening, all participants were invited to attend the Welcome Reception held by the beach of Park Royal Hotel.

Nantha Kumar presenting his paper


Day 2 (May 18, 2010) began with a keynote address by Asha Kanwar of Commonwealth of Learning. Her topic was "Towards Sustainable OERs: A Perspective from the Global South." This was followed by the parallel session which witnessed another 100 breif and full papers presented from 10.00am to 5.30pm.

There were 3 presenters from OUM presenting their papers among the 100 presenters. Richard Ng presented a full paper at 10.00am based on the topic "Online Community and It's Impact on E-Learner's Commitment to stay in their programs." It was followed by Sharifah Rosfashidah who presented her brief paper at 11.45am. The topic of her paper was "Teaching and Learning of Technical Subjects in an ODL Environment. In the evening session, Nantha Kumar presented his full paper at 3.35pm entitled "Design of an Expert System to Enhance Learners' Critical Thinking in a Task-based Online Discussion.

Dr. Rosmah presenting her paper

Day 3 of conference (May 19, 2010) began with the keynote address by Elliot Soloway from University of Michigan USA and Cathleen Norris from University of North Texas USA. They presented a very engaging paper entitled "Educating the Mobile Generation: It is inevitable that Cellphone Computers will be used in Education."

Dr. Janet Woo presenting her paper

Parallel session began at 10.00am until 5.30pm with another 100 papers. Among the presenters, there was only one presenter from OUM. Dr. Rosmah Mohamad presented her full paper at 10.00am based on the title "Mobile Learning: Enhancing Company Law Learners' Participation in the myLMS forum."

The last day of conference on May 20, 2010, Tan Sri Dr. Anwar Ali was the keynote speaker. His presentation was then followed by another 100 papers presented through 10 parallel sessions. There were 4 presenters from OUM; Dr. Janet Woo, Teo, Chiam and Nantha.

Dr. Janet Woo presented her full paper at 10.30am based on the title "New Challenges in Online and Distance Learning: Making the jump from Printed Module to Hyperlinked-Integrated Module."

At 2.30pm, it was Teo Hui Thian's turn to present his paper. The title of his full paper was "Revisiting Retro Technology to Extend Educational Opportunity to Teachers in Remote Schools."

Chiam also presented her full paper at 2.30pm at a different room. The title of her presentation was "E-conomics Supplements: Supporting the Teaching and Learning of Economics through Open and Distance Learning.

Nantha Kumar presented his best practice paper at 3.15pm based on the title "Enriching Blended Pedagogy Through Piagetian Learning Model: A Case Study."

The last day of the conference saw almost half of the participants disappeared from the conerence. Nevertheless, due the enthusiasm of the presenters, most of them presented their papers diligently.

Having our dinner at Gurney Drive. From left: Richard Ng, Nantha, Dr. Janet Woo and Chiam

Generally, the conference has given us lots of benefits in terms of exposure to new technology and meeting up with people from different countries to learn, network and exchange ideas. We made many friends and some have even plan to hold joint research in future.

But for a small group of us, we enjoy shopping and eating. What more when we are at one of the country's most famous tourist destination, Batu Feringghi in Penang. Not only it has beautiful beaches but also good food and souvenirs.

After almost every night, a small group of us ventured out of Batu Feringghi to look for good food. Day 1, we traveled to the famous Gurney drive at 7.30pm and had our Laksa, Mo Mo Cha Cha, Prawn Mee, Cha Koay Teow and Grill Fish. The ladies (Chiam and Dr. Janet Woo) went shopping at the nearby Gurney Plaza after that and the men (Dr. Lim, Nantha and Richard) were doing brisk walking in the Plaza. At about 9.30pm we proceed back to Batu Feringghi. We stopped at the Tanjung Tokong Food Court and has our extended dinner again!

Enjoying our dinner at the Pearl Restaurant at Tanjong Tokong. From left: Dr. Lim, Agnes, Chiam, Dr. Janet Woo and Nantha

The night of Day 2, we went to explore another place at Teluk Bahang, a restaurant called the "End of The World". There we have our seafood. Good crab and fish had curry. Of course we paid tourist price! Not satisfied, we went for another round of seafood at the Tajong Tokong Pearl Restaurant. There we had Roe crab, prawns and noodles. This time we are quite satisfied.

We were told that the other participants went shopping at the Batu Feringghi night market. Some went to Hard Rock Cafe to get some souvenirs. Others had their dinner at the nearby Tarbush Restaurant and even The Ship restaurant and paid a tourist price. But it was once a life time affair.

So it's a fruitful conference for all of us. We really enjoyed the conference and the wonderful paper, place and food. Some have even planned to go to the next Global Learn conference. For some it was full of sweet memories.