Students’ Online Learning Experience during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Case Study at Universiti Putra Malaysia

Abstract

This study explores the lived experiences of students from one public university in Malaysia about online learning from home. This qual itative study aims to provide an analysis of students' personal experience in terms of the advantages and challenges of onlin e learning during the national lockdown due to the COVID -19 pandemic. Data were collected through students' blogs where they documented their expressions of their online learning experience for 12 weeks. Data were classified according to two main studied a reas: advantages and challenges. Three themes emerged for advantages — flexible learning time, student -driven learning and positive learning opportunities while four themes emerged for challenges — poor internet connection, poor self -control, unconducive le arning environment and feelings of helplessness and burden. The study provides some evidence that online learning is the best alte rnative during the ongoing crisis despite the challenges.