Paper Title
READINESS OF EMERGENCY REMOTE LEARNING BASED ON INTERNET ACCESSIBILITY: A CASE STUDY FOR HEP ENGINEERING STUDENTS IN MALAYSIA
Abstract
Abstract - The pandemic caused by the 2019 coronavirus illness (COVID-19) has resulted in an emergency transition from traditional face-to-face learning to online and distance learning at all levels of education in Malaysia. This paper aims to check and measure the level of internet accessibility of students and to identify the kind of support that students required to facilitate online learning activities. Questionnaires regarding internet accessibility, including the types of devices and communication platforms used and the support needed for online learning, were distributed to all mechanical engineering students at UiTM Shah Alam, Selangor Malaysia. The surveys were disseminated to respondents through a Google form that was shared over WhatsApp and Telegram, using a combination of multiple choice and open-ended questions. A total of 3473 students participated and provided feedback using the convenient sampling method. Based on the findings, 99% percent of the students had an internet data plan. 89.2% of respondents had at least two devices or gadgets, with over 90% using smartphones and/or laptops/notebooks during emergency remote learning. The types of support needed can be grouped into four namely the internet, financial, guidance, and motivation. Although the students had an unlimited data plan, the internet speed was too slow and certain places had insufficient coverage. In addition to providing internet access, financial assistance can be offered so that students can subscribe to a more extensive data plan.
Keywords - Emergency Remote Learning, Engineering, Higher Education, Online Learning