Page 27 - ICGE VII - ABSTRACT BOOK

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GLOBAL EDUCATION VIII
“Visioning the Future of Education”

MALAYSIAN POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS ON
EFFECTIVENESS AND CHALLENGES OF ONLINE LEARNING AMID
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Noorlaili Mohd Kassim, Natasya Mariz Mohamed

(noorlaili@psa.edu.my, natasya@psa.edu.my)

Abstract

This research study examines the attitudes of Malaysian Polytechnic students towards
compulsory digital and distance learning amid Coronavirus (COVID-19).The uses of
teaching aids cannot be avoided in teaching because of the use of these devices could
help students to sharpen their senses and achieve effective learning. The objectives of
the report are to find effectiveness of online learning and the challenges and obstacles
of online learning faced by Polytechnic students. A total of 564 questionnaires were
distributed to Polytechnic Malaysia students stratified according to semesters. Six
polytechnics were chosen according to six zones divided throughout Peninsular
Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. The finding shows that most students agree face-to-
face contact with the lecturers is necessary for learning and to complete assignment
although they admitted that they are fully equipped with gadgets and internet access.
They also somewhat agree learning through online is less motivation than regular
class. The lack of face-to-face interaction with lecturers, response time and absence of
traditional classroom socialization were among some other issues highlighted by
students. Future research is encouraged to explore especially dealing with mental
wellness of the students in online learning. The paper concludes with
recommendations synthesizing the results of this study with those found in literature.

Keywords: Online learning, technical education, Pandemic

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