The Relationship between Learning Flexibility, the Learning Environment, and Online Learning Experiences among Undergraduate Students in Malaysia

This study aims to explore the relationships between learning flexibility, the learning environment, and online learning experiences among undergraduate students in Malaysia, particularly in light of the global health crisis. With the widespread shift to online learning, understanding the factors that affect its effectiveness is vital, especially as it influences the competitive performance of educational institutions. The study also investigates the potential role of gender differences in shaping students’ online learning experiences. To gather data, survey questions from previous research were adapted and distributed to a sample of 129 undergraduate students at a UiTM branch campus, all of whom participated in online learning during the previous semester. The results reveal significant relationships between learning flexibility (r = 0.395), the learning environment (r = 0.619), and online learning outcomes. Moreover, the findings show a moderate level of engagement and success in online learning among the students (p-value less than 0.05), with gender differences contributing to variations in the experiences and outcomes of online learning. Based on the results, the study emphasizes the importance of incorporating interactive tools, such as quizzes, to improve students’ comprehension and engagement in online courses. These findings suggest that online learning can be optimized by considering flexibility in learning schedules and environments, as well as by addressing gender-specific challenges. The study calls for further research into these factors to better understand and enhance the online learning experience in the evolving landscape of higher education.