Communication barriers among UiTM students in open and distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

In the online learning environment, effective communication is crucial for the success of the learning experience, allowing students to ask questions, seek guidance, and actively engage with course materials and peers. This study investigated the communication barriers faced by students of UiTM in open and distance learning (ODL) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to identify the communication barriers, assess the impact on students' learning process and investigate the influence of gender and field of study. This research employed a quantitative approach using a survey questionnaire to collect all the data in this research. The data analysis procedure was conducted using an Independent Samples T-Test and One-way ANOVA with IBM SPSS Statistics software. The research found that UiTM students faced psychological communication barriers most frequently, followed by physical, sociocultural, and technical barriers. These barriers had a negative impact on their learning process, with frustration from online communication difficulties being the most common effect. Surprisingly, gender and fields of study did not significantly influence these barriers. Implications for enhancing ODL quality include prioritising students' mental well-being through mental health support programs, fostering meaningful interactions among students, and creating an inclusive learning environment that addresses specific communication barriers faced by students. By addressing these barriers, the overall educational experience in ODL can be significantly enhanced.