Online Learning Supports in Times of Pandemic: From Parents’ Perspective

Abstract

Abstract
This research aimed to identify the difficulties faced by parents in providing educational support for online learning during COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. Quantitative approach was used, and 100 respondents participated in this study. The selection of respondents was done randomly based on several criteria. Data were collected online based on close-ended and open-ended questions related to home learning and parents’ struggles. The study identified three major themes which are personal, technical and financial challenges and all the variables based on these challenges are interrelated and have significant correlations and mutually influencing each other. The results show the mean for variable personal challenges are at moderate level (m=3.22), mean for technical challenges are at high level (m=3.77) and mean for financial challenges are at moderate level (m=3.55). This proves that there is a significant relationship between personal, technical and financial challenges. However, some limitations should be noted. First, the research only included parents of primary school level students. Second, only parents who reside in Malacca would be our respondents. Third, our findings are limited to parents' personal, technical and financial aspects. This study shed a light on parents’ struggle in providing educational support for online learning during the COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia. To overcome it, some revisions and modifications are required to be done, including finding ways to provide assistance from schools, teachers, as well as the government. The implementation of new laws, regulations and suggestions may assist the parents to enhance the perceptions that parents have in handling situations in challenging times. Other than that, there is a need to further study the role of the community and the NGOs in helping parents to overcome struggle in the future.