Online Distance Learning Readiness During Covid-19 Outbreak Among Undergraduate Students

Abstract

In Malaysia, the COVID-19 outbreak reported day-by-day positive carrier statistic increasing that force government action to impose movement control order (MCO); Malaysian stay at home to stop the virus from spreading fast. The MCO affects the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies undergraduate students who are just starting a new semester in the week fourth to stay at home while learning activities continue using Online Distance Learning (ODL) mode. The implications of online learning are the concern of university as a teaching method that is expected to improve students’ academic performance by enhancing computer/Internet literacy competency (CIL), self- directed learning (SDL), and motivation for learning (MOL) level. Does during the COVID-19 outbreak that spark anxiety and panic are suits for ODL activities? A survey conducted (n= 631) among undergraduate students to measure the level of ODL readiness. By using descriptive statistical analysis, this study found that CIL among undergraduate students is at a high level, while SDL and MOL reported at a low level. This study suggests the ARP initiative taken by the lecturer. The ARP refers to attention, recognition, and pressure less. The ODL seems new norms that should not hinder potential interactive learning for best academic performance and to drive excellent achievement. This study highly contributes a new idea to the lecturer, faculty management, the university and HEI as the best practice of ODL in the future.