COVID-19 Pandemic and Online Distance Learning (ODL) Issues among Malaysian Secondary School Teachers

Abstract

The implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO), which has been in effect since 18 March 2020 to date, is a preventive action implemented by the federal government of Malaysia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the MCO is to break the chain of transmission with the aim of levelling the rate of infection. In complying with this measure, Malaysian schools are also taking the effort to continue their learning activities by implementing the online distance learning (ODL) approach, which requires educators to conduct their teaching and learning activities via online methods from home. The variety of online platforms used in the ODL approach that include WhatsApp, Telegram, Google Meet, Hangout, and Google Classroom, can cater to the needs of students. E-learning has been introduced to facilitate the traditional teaching-learning processes, and it encompasses the use of electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones, or tablets to provide online learning materials. In addition, the ability of the learners, their computer competency and experience, and their attitudes toward technologies are among the significant factors found in previous studies related to the adoption of educational technology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges and issues faced by secondary school teachers in Malaysia while using ODL. The study employed qualitative approaches. Primary data were collected using an interview protocol through an in-depth interview by using Zoom Meeting and phone calls. Informants’ opinions and answers were analysed using thematic analysis, whereas themes were created and used based on the informants’ answers to analyse and present the findings. The results showed that secondary school teachers faced several challenges in the implementation of ODL.