The Real Challenges Students Faced During the Shift to Online Learning

Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran di Rumah (PdPR) emerged as a significant paradigm shift in Malaysia's education system following the global COVID-19 pandemic . Defined as learning conducted at home, community centres, or other suitable locations, it was designed to ensure education continued when students could not attend school physically .

Adapting to a new normal

In 2021, PdPR became a necessary "new normal" for the education community, requiring students, teachers, and parents to adapt to drastic changes . The transition was challenging, as many students lacked the necessary devices or stable internet access required for online learning . Research from 2023 noted that the effectiveness of these methods was often reported as weak, placing significant pressure on students during that period .

Supporting students through television

To assist those without internet or suitable devices, the government launched DidikTV KPM in 2021 . This initiative provided a terrestrial education platform, allowing students to follow curriculum-based programmes via television . Many parents and educators in 2021 viewed this as a positive value-add, as it offered a more relaxed learning environment compared to constant screen time on smartphones .

The evolving role of parents

PdPR also redefined the involvement of parents in their children's education. With students learning from home, parents were given a greater opportunity to monitor their children's progress and support their daily studies . While the shift was demanding, it highlighted the importance of collaboration between teachers and families to ensure that students remained engaged and supported during difficult times .