Open and distance learning: exploring stress among undergraduate students / Yus Aznita Ustadi ... [et al.]

The landscape of teaching and learning for higher education has long changed since the outbreak of pandemic COVID-19 in 2020. Open distance learning has gained significance prominence in the realm of education, offering flexible opportunities for learners to access educational content remotely. This study explores the factors contributing to stress in the context of open and distance learning. It delves into the multifaceted nature of stressors such as internet connection, learning process and environment of the study. The study adopts quantitative descriptive approach that aims to provide a detailed account of a particular phenomenon. Thus, in this study, questionnaires were disseminated online to students around the Klang Valley area. The analysis done onto 382 respondents revealed that three of the independent variables have a significant relationship with the dependent variable. In addition, it was also found that the highest impact of the factor contributing to stress among students during open and distance learning is environment of study. Students are found to be daunted by their study environment during ODL because they are distracted by being in a noisy environment. A harmonious environment is important in reducing the stress among students especially during open and distance learning.