FATIHAH NUR HANA BINTI FADHLULLAH (2019615282)

Malaysians were alarmed by the outbreak of COVID-19, a coronavirus, in early 2020,

and the severity of the outbreak prompted the government to seek a movement control order. All
educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, have been instructed to
suspend the activity instantly. As a consequence, educators are fearful and concerned about
completing the curriculum, and ODL is the most appropriate way. Online Distance Learning
(ODL) is an interactive and virtual style of learning in which professors and students are
physically separated from one another and various online apps are used to promote interactive
contact between lecturers and students.

This study's predictions are backed up by prior studies that emphasised the drawbacks of
ODL experience among secondary school students. Most of the study was conducted to examine
the effectiveness and the challenges faced by students during online learning. According to a
case study in 2021, drawbacks of the online learning experience by respondents who were
generally chosen among upper secondary school students reported that readiness for ODL and
secured internet connection are the main factors. Student’s behaviour is strongly influenced by an
individual's attitudes. Positive attitudes result in positive behaviour and negative attitudes
always cause negative behaviour (Hazwani et al., 2020). This observation corresponds with
the nature of students’ engagement with e-learning (online learning).

The ODL activities listed by the lecturer can’t be performed by students and it triggers
anxiety that leads to fear of achieving the best result for the course enrolled. Lack of
self-discipline that refers to self-directed learning influences readiness level due to
environmental interruption such as working commitment and massive home environment.
Besides, friend interruption during ODL session by inviting the student to join online
conversation such as chatting, online shopping and gossiping influence readiness level and
self-discipline. The student who lacks self-discipline and lower level of motivation can fall in the
attrition group of students that affect their academic performance and achievement.
 In another case study done on higher education, the effectiveness of e-learning among
school students may be different from distance education students where e-learning has a
positive impact on higher education students as stated in several studies conducted by many
researchers. One mature student can think rationally and manage conflict wisely, especially in
building self-discipline in academics. While for school students, learning using the virtual world
every day is a whole new experience for them. Thus, high school students also need to be applied
with self-directed learning with an emphasis on self-discipline while studying.

Hazwani et al. (2017) have concluded that students’ attitudes influence the effectiveness
of e-learning. Accordingly, students that are optimistic and enthusiastic will not experience
e-learning as an obstacle to their academic success. Adnan (2020) found that students felt
that conventional learning differed greatly from online learning. Furthermore, students felt that
face-to-face learning is crucial for effective learning, and that group assignments are difficult to
complete online. In this case study, I will further elaborate on the factors that affect students’
lack of discipline in coping with online classes.