The Drawbacks of Online Hybrid Education in Malaysia

Abstract

In Malaysia, the educational landscape has undergone a considerable change as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the quick development of technology, which has prompted the implementation of online hybrid education models. This strategy has several advantages, such as flexibility and accessibility, but it also has some disadvantages. The main disadvantages of online hybrid education in Malaysia are summarised in this abstract. Digital inequality makes it difficult for students from lower income groups and from rural areas to fully engage in online learning activities and exacerbates existing educational disparities due to lack of access to the digital gadgets and dependable internet connectivity. It might also be arduous for students to concentrate on their studies when there aren't any face-to-face interactions, henceforth causing feelings of isolation. Some teachers will find it difficult to modify their teaching strategies for the online setting hampered by the absence of practical, hands-on activities and real-time feedback. Students may also face technical difficulties, such as software bugs or connectivity problems which may obstruct learning and cause irritation in both students and teachers. Maintaining assessment integrity in a hybrid online education environment can be difficult because cheating, plagiarism and impartiality of assessments are harder to catch. Online hybrid virtual education may restrict students' emotional and social growth and limit their interpersonal skills and the capacity for peer collaboration. Furthermore, it can be difficult to communicate and restrict the amount of help and direction that educators can offer to virtual students. In conclusion, while hybrid online education in Malaysia has some benefits, there are also some problems that need to be recognised and addressed. Therefore, it is important to work to close the digital divide and improve the standard of online learning by blending digital education with a physical approach to produce truly educated and skilled students.