New Experiences with OTL

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the normal operation of schools and universities all across the world was brought to a halt. As a result, education underwent a drastic change with a distinctive rise in e-learning. Teaching and learning had to be carried out remotely on digital platforms, during which both lecturers and students experienced a fair share of advantages and challenges. UTAR students were no stranger to it, hence they have stepped forward to share their experience of attending classes online during the Movement Control Order (MCO).

Bachelor of Corporate Communication (Honours) student Pavithira Raj said, “There are both advantages and disadvantages in online learning. However, I personally feel that online learning was an excellent choice for this time of period, since our movements were very much restricted. The downside of online learning, however, is largely contributed by internet connectivity problems. A stable connection was required and most students lacked it. Moreover, it was hard for me to pay attention during lectures and tutorials since I was not used to the setting. It was also hard to get into groups and figure out how to settle things without the usual face-to-face communication. Nonetheless, these online classes provided me with a good experience. I also had the chance to spend more time with my family and develop new interests such as Zumba and yoga. Prior to this, I did not get the chance to focus on my hobbies but now I can, all thanks to, online learning that helps me save time.”

Bachelor of Accounting (Honours) student Wong Wai Chin said, “Online learning has helped me improve my knowledge of digital skills, and since the world is inclined towards the digital era, this knowledge has proven to be very useful for me. Online learning is also convenient and flexible. There is no need for us to rush to class if we wake up late. Poor internet connection was one of the disadvantages we had. Sometimes, it takes longer than usual to load and we would often end up missing some of the lessons. However, I’m glad that the lecturers record their lecture class during online learning. This enables us to catch up with the lessons we have missed. The recorded video is also helpful in clearing our doubts and doing revision during the final examination. Online learning was also helpful for me as I was able to learn in a stress-free environment. I believe most of the students like to study from home because it is relaxing, hence we could focus more.”

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Game Design student Lim Jia Xian enthused, “Online learning, for me, was a good experience as it provided me with flexible time and I did not need to rush to class early in the morning. One of the perks of online learning is that we can easily obtain videos regarding designing and illustration from the internet. This makes the tasks so much easier for the lecturers and the students. It also reinforces our learning and helps us understand the content of our study better.” Lim also added, “I am very much excited and happy with online learning because it helps me to think out of the box. I also learned a lot of new stuff besides the content of my subjects. I learned new designing and illustration skills and techniques from online which was useful for me.”

Meanwhile, P. Saravanan Raj who is currently pursuing Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Chemical Engineering said, “Online learning is an alternative way of teaching and learning. Personally, I feel more comfortable attending classes from home since there is no travelling issue. Given the current situation, I think it is safer to have online classes because most of the parents are worried about their children’s safety. Therefore, online classes are the best solution for the current situation. Online learning also helps to reduce travelling expenses for students. There is no longer any cost for commuting as well as other costs related to transport, such as fuel, parking, car maintenance, and etcetera.”

“In my opinion, online teaching and learning are very beneficial and helpful for students like me who stays far from the Campus. This is because I could save more time and I do not have to worry about travelling during the MCO period. Since my hometown is situated in Kedah, I can learn from home without travelling to the Campus,” said Bachelor of Accounting (Honours) student Al Amin Bin Mohamed Ismail. Amin added, “It was also very helpful for my family because I was able to help my father with his grocery shop. Moreover, I have always enjoyed working out at the gym. While I was on Campus, I rarely had the time to hit the gym due to classes and assignments, but now I can enjoy doing both since there is no time restriction. I truly enjoy online learning.”