Journal Screenshot

International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences

Open Access Journal

ISSN: 2222-6990

Students’ Perception and Preference for Online Learning in Sabah During Covid-19 Pandemic

Nur Hazilah Omar, Bibianah Thomas, Mohamad Zulfadhli Jusoh, Saiful Zizi Jalil

http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v11-i11/11262

Open access

The Covid-19 outbreak has significantly halted a variety of activities, including educational ones, across the world. This has resulted in a massive crisis reaction relocation of institutions with online learning acting as the educational platform. The introduction of online learning has resulted in certain drawbacks for educators and students. The quality of online learning is dependent on the amount of digital availability and efficacy. However, some students are still affected by inaccessibility and a lack of digital technology in their communities. In this study, we used an online survey of 270 students to explore students' perceptions and preferences for online learning in three public higher education institutions in Sabah. We also looked at the students' preferences for various components of online classrooms, which would be beneficial in developing an effective online learning environment. The results indicated that most of the respondents (77%) get their internet from mobile data packs. Additionally, the majority of the respondents preferred social media for class updates during online learning. We also found that the students preferred assessments such as assignments, quizzes, and tests at the end of every class which are necessary to achieve effective online learning. Therefore, the findings will assist academics in identifying strengths and places for development, as well as encouraging the faculty to think carefully about how to reorganise course learning objectives and teaching approaches to engage students and improve the learning process.

Agung, A. S. N., & Surtikanti, M. W. (2020). Students’ Perception of Online Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study on the English Students of STKIP Pamane Talino. SOSHUM: Jurnal Sosial Dan Humaniora, 10(2), 225–235.
https://doi.org/10.31940/soshum.v10i2.1316
Akcayir, G., & Akcayir, M. (2018). The Flipped Classroom: A Review of Its Advantage and Challenges. Computer and Education, 126, 224-245.
Alkhudiry, R., & Alahdal, A. (2021). The Role of Online Learning During and Post COVID- 19: A Case of Psycho- Social Study, TESOL International Journal. Vol 16(1), 119-135.
Allen, M., & Book, U. (2011). Successful e-Learning Interface Making Learning Technology Polite, Eective and Fun “Introducing the CEO of LID” FREE CHAPTER VOLUME III of e-LEARNING LIBRARY SERIES. http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.
Ally, M. (2008). Foundations of Educational Theory for Online Learning. In T. Anderson (Ed). The Theory and Practices of Online Learning. Athabasa: Athabasca University Press
Amir, L. R., Tanti, I., Maharani, D. A., Wimardhani, Y. S., Julia, V., Sulijaya, B., & Puspitawati, R. (2020). Student perspective of classroom and distance learning during COVID-19 pandemic in the undergraduate dental study program Universitas Indonesia. BMC Medical Education, 20(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-020-02312-0
Arbaugh, J. B. (2000). How Classroom Environment and Student Engagement Affect Learning in Internet-based MBA Courses. Business Communication Quarterly, 63(4), 9–26.
Arifiati, N., Nurkhayati, E., Nurdiawati, E., Pamungkas, G., Adha, S., Purwanto, A., Julyanto, O., & Azizi, E. (2020). University Students Online Learning System During Covid-19 Pandemic: Advantages, Constraints and Solutions. Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy, 11(7), 570–576.
Aristovnik, A., Kerži?, D., Ravšelj, D., Tomaževi?, N., & Umek, L. (2020). Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on life of higher education students: A global perspective. Sustainability (Switzerland), 12(20), 1–34. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208438
Baczek, M., Baczek, M. Z., & Szpringer, M. (2021). Student’s Perception of Online Learning during COVID Pandemic. Medicine, 100(7), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-020-03327-7
Baghdadi, Z. D. (2011). Best Practices in Online Education: Online Instructors, Courses, and Administrators. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 12(3), 109-117.
Bali, S., & Liu, M. C. (2018). Students’ perceptions toward online learning and face-to-face learning courses. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1108(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1108/1/012094
Bhaumik, R., & Priyadarshini, A. (2020). E-Readiness of Senior Secondary School Learners to Online Transition amid COVID-19 Lockdown. Asian Journal of Distance Education, 15(1), 244-256.
Chaney E. G. (2001). Web-Based Instruction in a Rural High School: A Collaborative Inquiry into its Effectiveness and Desirability. NASSP Bulletin, 85(628), 20-35.
Chung, E., & Mathew, V. N. (2020). Satisfied with Online Learning Amidst COVID-19, but do you Intend to Continue Using it? International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 9(4). https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARPED/v9-i4/8177
Chung, E., Noor, M., & Mathew, V. N. (2020). Are You Ready? An Assessment of Online Learning Readiness among University Students. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 9(1), 301–317. https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARPED/v9-i1/7128
Demuyakor, J. (2020). Coronavirus (Covid-19) and online learning in higher institutions of education: A survey of the perceptions of ghanaian international students in China. Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, 10(3), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.29333/ojcmt/8286
Department of Statistics Malaysia. (2021, February). POKET STATS NEGERI SABAH ST4 2020.
Faize, F. A., & Nawaz, M. (2020). Evaluation and Improvement of students’ satisfaction in Online learning during COVID-19. Open Praxis, 12(4), 495. https://doi.org/10.5944/openpraxis.12.4.1153
Farah Idayu Mohd Salleh, Jamilahtun Md Ghazali, Wan Nor Hana Wan Ismail, Maizura Alias, & Nur Syafiqah A Rahim. (2020). The Impacts of Covid-19 Through Online Learning Usage for Tertiary Education in Malaysia. Journal f Critical Review. Vol 7(8), 147-149
Felege, C., & Olson, M. (2015). Online Education: Faculty Perceptions and Recommendations. 9.
Gherhe?, V., Stoian, C. E., F?rca?iu, M. A., & Stanici, M. (2021). E-learning vs. Face-to-face learning: Analyzing students’ preferences and behaviors. Sustainability (Switzerland), 13(8), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084381
Gilbert, B. (2015). Online Learning Revealing the Benefits and Challenges. Education Masters, Paper 3, St. John Fisher College.
Gonzalez-Gomez, D., Jeong, J. S., Airado Rodriguez, D., & Canada-Canada, F. (2016). Performance and Perception in The Flipped Learning Model: An Initial Approach to Evaluate the Effectiveness of a New Teaching Methodology in A General Science Classroom. Journal of Social Education and Technology, 25(3), 450-459.
Hung, M. L., Chou, C., Chen, C. H., & Own, Z. Y. (2010). Learner readiness for online learning: Scale development and student perceptions. Computers and Education, 55(3), 1080–1090. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2010.05.004
Ilias, A., Baidi, N., Ghani, E. K., & Razali, F. M. (2020). Issues on the Use of Online Learning: An Exploratory Study Among University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(11), 5092–5105. https://doi.org/10.13189/UJER.2020.081109
Jaggars, S. S. (2014). Choosing Between Online and Face-to-Face Courses: Community College Student Voices. American Journal of Distance Education, 28(1), 27–38. https://doi.org/10.1080/08923647.2014.867697
Jhon, W., Mustadi, A., & Zubaidah, E. (2020). Online Learning during Covid-19 Pandemic in Developing Countries: Does it run well? Jurnal Pendidikan Progresif, 10(3), 440–454. https://doi.org/10.23960/jpp.v10.i3.202006
Jones, C. (2012). Netweroked learning, stepping beyond the Net Generation and digital natives. In L. Dirckinck-Holmfeld, V. Hodgson, & D. McConnel (Ed), Exploring the theory, pedagogy and practice of networked learning (pp 27-41). New York, NY: Springer.
Kamal, A. A., Shaipullah, N. M., Truna, L., Sabri, M., & Junaini, S. N. (2020). Transitioning to Online Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic: Case Study of a Pre-University Centre in Malaysia. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 11(6), 217–223. https://doi.org/10.14569/IJACSA.2020.0110628
Lischer, S., Safi, N., & Dickson, C. (2021). Remote learning and students’ mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic: A mixed-method enquiry. Prospects. https://doi.org/10.1007/S11125-020-09530-W
Longhurst, G. J., Stone, D. M., Dulohery, K., Scully, D., Campbell, T., & Smith, C. F. (2020). Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat (SWOT) Analysis of the Adaptations to Anatomical Education in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland in Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Anatomical Sciences Education, 13(3), 301–311. https://doi.org/10.1002/ase.1967
Martin. F., Wang, C., & Sadaf, A. (2018). Student Perception of Helpfulness of Facilitation Strategies that Enhance Instructor Presence, Connectedness, Engagement and Learning in Online Courses. The Internet and Higher Education. 37, 52–65.
Mathew, V. N., & Chung, E. (2020). University Students’ Perspectives on Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Implementation Amidst COVID-19. Asian Journal of University Education, 16(4), 152–160. https://doi.org/10.24191/ajue.v16i4.11964
Muthuprasad, T., Aiswarya, S., Aditya, K. S., & Jha, G. K. (2021). Students’ perception and preference for online education in India during COVID -19 pandemic. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 3(1), 100101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2020.100101
Nayak, A. (2020). A study on perception of teachers and students toward online classes in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi District. Asian Association of Open Universities Journal, 15(3), 285–296. https://doi.org/10.1108/aaouj-07-2020-0047
Olum, R., Atulinda, L., Kigozi, E., Nassozi, D. R., Mulekwa, A., Bongomin, F., & Kiguli, S. (2020). Medical Education and E-Learning During COVID-19 Pandemic: Awareness, Attitudes, Preferences, and Barriers Among Undergraduate Medicine and Nursing Students at Makerere University, Uganda. Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development, 7, 2382120520973212–2382120520973212. https://doi.org/10.1177/2382120520973212
Paechter, M., & Maier, B. (2010). Online or face-to-face? Students’ experiences and preferences in e-learning. Internet and Higher Education, 13(4), 292–297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2010.09.004
Peng, H., Tsai, C. C., & Wu, Y. T. (2006). University students’ self-efficacy and their attitudes toward the Internet: The role of students’ perceptions of the Internet. Educational Studies, 32(1), 73–86. https://doi.org/10.1080/03055690500416025
Pokhrel, S., & Chhetri, R. (2021). A Literature Review on Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Teaching and Learning. Higher Education for the Future, 8(1), 133–141. https://doi.org/10.1177/2347631120983481
Poole, D. M. (2000). Student Participation in a Discussion-Oriented Online Course. Journal of Research on Computing in Education, 33(2), 162–177. https://doi.org/10.1080/08886504.2000.10782307
Razami, H. H., & Ibrahim, R. (2021). Distance Education during COVID-19 Pandemic: The Perceptions and Preference of University Students in Malaysia Towards Online Learning. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 12(4), 118–126. https://doi.org/10.14569/IJACSA.2021.0120416
Reiser, R. A., & Dempsey, J. (2001). Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology.
Sahin, A., Cavlazoglu, B., & Zeytuncu, Y. E. (2015). Flipping A College Calculus Course: A Case Study. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 18(3), 142–152.
Saidi, R. M., Sharip, A. A., Abd Rahim, N. Z., Zulkifli, Z. A., & Md Zain, S. M. (2021). Evaluating Students’ Preferences of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Tools. Procedia Computer Science, 179(2019), 955–961. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2021.01.085
Salaberry, M. R. (2000). Pedagogical design of computer mediated communication tasks: learning objectives and technological capabilities. Modern Language Journal, 84(1), 28–37
Schlenz, M. A., Schmidt, A., Wostmann, B., Kramer, N., & Schulz-Weidner, N. (2020). Student and Lecturer Perspective on The Implementation of Online Learning in Dental Education Due to Sars-Cov-2 (Covid-19): A Cross Sectional Study. BMC Medical Education 20:354
Schrum, K., & Sleeter, N. (2013). Teaching History Online: Challenges and Opportunities. OAH Magazine of History, 27(3), 35-38.
Song, L., Singleton, E. S., Hill, J. R., & Koh, M. H. (2004). Improving online learning: Student perceptions of useful and challenging characteristics. The Internet and Higher Education, 7(1), 59–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.IHEDUC.2003.11.003
Tareen, H., & Hand, M. T. (2020). A Case Study of UiTM Post-Graduate Students Perception on Online Learning: Benefits & Challenges, International Journal of Advanced Research and Publications, Vol 4(6), 86-94.
The Rakyat Post. (2020). Malaysia experiencing major internet pressure, says Economist. Retrieved on 17 April from https://www.therakyatpost.com/2020/03/31/malaysia-experiencing-major-internet-pressure-says-economists/.
The Sunday Daily. (2020). Users in many areas face connectivity issue while Malaysia moves into 5G era. Retrieved from https://www.thesundaily.my/local/users-in-many-areas-face-connectivity-issue-while-malaysia-moves-into-5g-era-HJ1856458
Thomas, N. S., Thakkar, M., & Ghanekar, J. (2021). Student’s perception on online teaching, learning and evaluation during the covid-19 pandemic: a survey. International Journal of Health and Clinical Research, 4(1), 61–67.
Thompson, D. (2014). A Formula for Perfect Productivity: Work for 52 Minutes, Break for 17. 1–5. https://www.mendeley.com/catalogue/b8e22ad6-d51a-322b-84f2-277a71167cc4/?utm_source=desktop&utm_medium=1.19.8&utm_campaign=open_catalog&userDocumentId=%7B2eca019d-e1fc-3da3-8ce3-84db3d332782%7D
Tsai, C.-C., & Lin, C.-C. (2004). Taiwanese adolescents’ perceptions and attitudes regarding the internet: Exploring gender differences. Adolescence, 39(156), 725–734.
UNESCO. (2020). COVID-19 Educational disruption and response. https://en.unesco.org/ themes/educationemergencies/coronavirus-school-closures.
Wong, C. H. (2020). Malaysia: coronavirus, political coup and lockdown. The Round Table, 1-2.
Yau, H. K., & Tang, S. T. (2020). Investigation of The Difference Between Online Learning and Face-To-Face Learning on The Aspects of Students’ Satisfaction and Preferences: A Study on Hong Kong Higher Education. The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, Special Is, 176–188.

In-Text Citation: (Omar et al., 2021)
To Cite this Article: Omar, N. H., Thomas, B., Jusoh, M. Z., & Jalil, S. Z. (2021). Students’ Perception and Preference for Online Learning in Sabah During Covid-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 11(11), 270 – 292.