E-Learning Challenges and Preparedness among Malaysian Frontline Students during COVID-19: A Mixed-Methods Study.

This study examines the preparedness and challenges of Malaysian frontline students in adapting to e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. A mixed-methods design was employed, integrating descriptive statistics, inductive thematic analysis, and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The quantitative results identified five principal components, which explained 76.3% of the total variance, reflecting major challenges related to scheduling and course materials, technical and logistical barriers, environmental disruptions, personal-life constraints, and combined contextual factors. Qualitative findings further revealed recurring issues including unstable internet access, financial burden, home distractions, and psychosocial stress. Overall, the findings indicate that students particularly struggled with missed scheduled sessions, the need for recorded online classes, poor internet connectivity, and disruptive learning environments. These results highlight the importance of strengthening digital infrastructure, improving scheduling flexibility, and providing greater academic and psychosocial support to enhance equitable and resilient e-learning systems.