The Effects of Online Learning Platforms on Student Engagement and Academic Performance

The rapid proliferation of Online Distance Learning (ODL) platforms, accelerated by the global COVID-19 pandemic, has transformed the educational landscape, necessitating a revaluation of their impacts on student engagement and academic performance. This study aims to explore the nuanced effects of ODL on undergraduate students, specifically focusing on the challenges and benefits associated with its use. Employing a quantitative research design, this research utilized an online survey modified from existing instruments to suit the study's objectives. The survey, comprising both Likert scale and open-ended questions, was designed to capture students' experiences, engagement levels, and academic outcomes related to ODL. The target population included final-year undergraduate students from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Penang, with purposive sampling ensuring a focused examination of the impacts of ODL within this specific academic context. Data were collected from 36 participants via Google Forms and analysed using IBM SPSS, revealing significant correlations between the use of digital tools, student engagement, and perceived academic performance. Key findings indicate that while digital tools are integral to ODL, their usage is associated with increased feelings of isolation, distraction, and negative impacts on sleep patterns. However, students also recognized the benefits of digital learning, such as flexibility and accessibility. The study concludes that the effectiveness of ODL platforms is contingent upon balancing digital tool usage with strategies to mitigate their potential drawbacks, emphasizing the need for interactive elements that mimic face-to-face interactions and support services to address students' psychological well-being. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the efficacy of online learning, offering insights into optimizing ODL environments to enhance student engagement and performance while ensuring their mental and social well-being.