Assessing the On-Campus Students’ Satisfaction with Online Learning Mode during COVID-19

COVID-19 pandemic has interfered with teaching and learning landscape in higher learning institutions. The spread of COVID-19 has forced governments of many countries to shut-down schools and put into effect remote learning or distance learning. The purpose of this study is to answer a specific question: are the on-campus students in Malaysia higher learning institutions satisfied with online learning mode? The study also investigates the effect of variables such as students’ gender, level of study and specialization on satisfaction with online learning mode. A quantitative research method using survey design was adopted in this study. The study population is the total number of on-campus students from 14 selected universities in Malaysia. Cochran’s formula was used to determine the sample size. A total of 412 questionnaires were distributed via online google form to all the respondents. The findings revealed that a significant number of the students were dissatisfied with online learning. More than 70% of on-campus students experienced boredom, loneliness and thus, dissatisfied with online learning approach provided by the university during the peak of the pandemic. The findings showed that more than 60% of the on-campus students were not satisfied with online learning mode due to family related issues and interrupted internet connections. Online learning remains the most viable method of teaching and learning during in COVID-19 pandemic. However, this mode of learning is plagued with numerous challenges. Consequently, students from conventional education system in Malaysia have difficulties adjusting and are less satisfied with online learning.