What Online Distance Learning (ODL) means to you?

 Since Malaysia’s government has announced the first lockdown on 18th March 2020, my Online Distance Learning (ODL) journey began on my final year of diploma. A week before the announcement, I had the last meeting with my group members about our final project, which all of us were immensely looking forward to. Little did we know, the world had a better plan. In my honest opinion, ODL is not a new experience as when I was in college. A lecturer of mine always uses ODL as one of his teaching approaches. I still remember when he decided to carry on our class. Still, we all must be at different places, which I chose the cafeteria, and the course took place via Zoom. So, when we were back in our hometowns, we mainly used Zoom as the central platform for classes.

Before we get into details about my experience and how I mostly feel for almost 2 years facing ODL, we must know “What is ODL?”. Online Distance Learning (ODL) has existed for such a long time ago. Still, its use is so prominent now due to Coronavirus that put on a pause button for everyone all over the world. ODL is conducted by using electronic devices such as desktops, laptops, or mobile phones to have classes or meetings using an online video call platform. Being far apart forces everyone to communicate online using Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and many more. Even though it might be challenging initially, as time goes by, everyone has the gist of it and somehow becomes more comfortable studying or working from home.

With a bit of introduction about ODL, based on my personal experience, I faced a lot of troubles with having classes. Since I have started my degree, we already have 2 semesters by doing ODL; my main trouble is the internet connection. I live in a village area which I think needs no further explanation. Thus, every morning or whenever I have classes and tests, I have to go out and have them at my aunt’s house, which is in an area with a better internet connection than mine. It is tiring and uncomfortable, but I’m grateful that my family members understand my struggles and support me. One of the things that I’m a little upset with having ODL is not experiencing my first year of a university degree. I don’t even know what my classmates look like in real life and our department at the university. This is something that I will always look forward to.

My hope for the future is that everything will be back to the way it used to be, maybe not as average as it used to be but better than now. To those who struggle silently, I hope everything will go well after this colossal challenge. I’m also thankful for everyone that never looks back to support people who have problems and difficulties during the pandemic. To all of the students worldwide and especially my classmates, we just have to hang on for a little bit more. Hopefully, we can meet each other with good intentions.

credit: to the owner of the photo