Online Teaching & Learning During Covid-19 Pandemic: Exploratory Study on The Effectiveness of Google Classroom at Kolej Komuniti Bandar Darulaman

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is not a typical adjustment and readjustment to a pedagogical approach. Educators must quickly adjust and develop a plan of action, thinking of an out-of-the-box teaching method as the epidemic will not end soon. The COVID-19 pandemic spread for the second and third wave of infection, policies and measures to curb the disease are implemented, limiting the number of people congregating in public places. Such efforts have disrupted the normal functioning of schools and universities. This study aims to identify the effectiveness of Online Teaching & Learning (Online T&L) using Google Classroom (GC). A quantitative method of approach was used to utilise questionnaire tools to solicit responses from 180 students in Kolej Komuniti Bandar Darulaman (KKBDA). The questionnaire was administered using Google Forms. Findings were then analysed using SPSS. Results were presented in the form of frequencies and correlational analysis. The findings indicate a high degree of acceptance of Online learning. In terms of online learning effectiveness, more than half of the respondents, 70.6% (M=3.81, SD=.853), agrees that the Online T&L using Google Classroom is effective. These respondents used the type of internet connection exclusively mobile broadband through their mobile phone for internet access. 14% of the students indicate that their internet coverage is either poor and very poor. This could be linked to the internet access traffic, as well as network coverage. During Movement Control Order (MCO), internet access in housing areas was congested and slow as internet usage was very high due to working, learning and business from home. The outcomes of the analysis postulate that there is a high level of effectiveness in Online T&L. Underlying, it also indicates that Online T&L did provide prospects to the new breed of students with a better education and communication opportunities irrespective of time and place. A thorough study of every aspect of online learning is necessary as Online T&L is still in its early stages, especially the implementation of a holistic assessment. Diversifying the Online T&L methodologies, such as using Google Classroom, allows the lecturer to know whether the Online T&L effectiveness is achieved.