Challenges of an online training programme: An experience report from agro-based entrepreneurs in a sub-urban area
List of Authors
  • Ahmad Lutfi Anis , Vloreen Nity Mathew

Keyword
  • Online learning, digital economy, agro-based entrepreneurs, education, ICT, technology

Abstract
  • It is well known that the education landscape changed immensely since the pandemic COVID-19 outbreak. Though the shift of traditional method to online method has been widely researched in schools and universities, the utilization of knowledge transfer using ICT as mediums among micro, small, and medium companies (MSMEs) training still lacked attention. This paper reports on the experiences from a group of agro-based entrepreneurs in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia who participated in an online training programme. Using qualitative methods, the findings revealed that the participants agreed that the online training is interesting despite the challenges they faced. Among the challenges found are issues involving basic infrastructure like limited internet connectivity and personal issues like distractions due to multiple roles at home. The findings of the study have given insights on factors that require thoughtful attention when opting to use online training in the future.

Reference
  • 1. Adedoyin, O. B., & Soykan, E. (2020). Covid-19 pandemic and online learning: the challenges and opportunities. Interactive Learning Environments, 1-13. doi: 10.1080/10494820.2020.1813180 2. Al Mamun, A., Muniady, R., Fazal, S. A., & Malarvizhi, C. A. (2019). Micro-enterprise development training and entrepreneurial competencies among low-income households in Malaysia. Asia Pacific Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. doi:10.1108/APJIE-06-2019-0042 3. Cegarra‐Navarro, J. G., & Sabater‐Sánchez, R. (2005). E‐learning: organizational requirements for successful feedback learning. Journal of Workplace Learning. https://doi.org/10.1108/13665620510606715 4. Chief Minister’s Department. (2018). Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy 2018-2022. Retrieved from https://www.scope.net.my/wpcontentuploads/2019/10/digitaleconomybooklet-min.pdf 5. Cynthia, E. N., & Nwabugwu, T. S. (2016). Challenges to adoption of ICT tools by agricultural extension workers in Anambra State, Nigeria. Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, 1-6. DOI:10.9734/AJAEES/2016/24550 6. Friedman, H. H., & Friedman, L. W. (2011). Crises in education: Online learning as a solution. Creative Education, 2(03), 156. 7. Garg, S., & Sharma, S. (2020). User satisfaction and continuance intention for using e-training: A structural equation model. Vision, 24(4), 441-451. 8. Hasebrook, J. (2001). Learning in the learning organization. Journal of Universal Computer Science, 7(6), 472-487. 9. Heng, K., & Sol, K. (2021, September). Online learning during COVID-19: Key challenges and suggestions to enhance effectiveness. Cambodian Journal of Education Research, 1(1), 3-16. 10. Horn, C., & Rennie, E. (2018). Digital access, choice and agency in remote Sarawak. Telematics and Informatics, 35(7), 1935-1948. 11. Islam, M. A., Igwe, P. A., Rahman, M., & Saif, A. N. M. (2021). Remote working challenges and solutions: Insights from SMEs in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Quality and Innovation, 5(2), 119-140. DOI:10.1504/IJQI.2021.10035030 12. Kozinets, R.V. (2002). The field behind the screen: using netnography for marketing research in online communities, Journal of Marketing Research, 39(1), 61-72. 13. Li, C., & Lalani, F. (2020, April). The COVID-19 pandemic has changed education forever. This is how. World Economic Forum (29). 14. Mathew, V. N., & Chung, E. (2020). University Students' Perspectives on Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Implementation Amidst COVID-19. Asian Journal of University Education, 16(4), 152-160. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24191/ajue.v16i4.11964 15. Montrieux, H., Vanderlinde, R., Schellens, T. & De Marez, L. (2015). Teaching and Learning with Mobile Technology: A Qualitative Explorative Study about the Introduction of Tablet Devices in Secondary Education. PLoS ONE 10(12): e0144008. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0144008 16. Mulyanti, B., Purnama, W., & Pawinanto, R. E. (2020). Indonesian Journal of Science & Technology. Indonesian Journal of Science & Technology, 5(2), 271-282. 17. Nachmias, S. & Hubschmid-Vierheilig, E. (2021). We need to learn how to love digital learning ‘again’: European SMEs response to COVID-19 digital learning needs, Human Resource Development International, 24:2, 123-132, https://doi.org/10.1080/13678868.2021.1893503 18. Nguyen, T. (2015). The effectiveness of online learning: Beyond no significant difference and future horizons. MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 11(2), 309-319. 19. Pellas, N., & Mystakidis, S. (2020). A Systematic Review of Research about Game-based Learning in Virtual Worlds. Journal of Universal Computer Science., 26(8), 1017-1042. 20. Prime Minister’s Department. (2021). Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint 2021. Retrieved from https://www.epu.gov.my/sites/default/files/2021-02/Malaysia-digital-economy-blueprint.pdf 21. Ramayah, T., Ahmad, N. H., & Hong, T. S. (2012). An Assessment of E-training Effectiveness in Multinational Companies in Malaysia. Educational Technology & Society, 15(2), 125–137. 22. Refiswal, E., & Julianti, T. (2021, June). Development strategy of young agricultural entrepreneurs. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 782(2), 022059. IOP Publishing. 23. Sangsawang, T. (2020). An instructional design for online learning in vocational education according to a self-regulated learning framework for problem solving during the COVID-19 crisis. Indonesian Journal of Science and Technology, 283-198. 24. Vong, W. T., & Then, P. H. H. (2019). Empowering Rural Youth for Socioeconomic Development: A Skill Development Approach in Sarawak, Malaysia. Information Technologies & International Development, 15, 17. 25. Wieland, N., & Kollias, L. (2020). Online Learning Before, During and After COVID-19: Observations Over 20 Years. International Journal of Advanced Corporate Learning. 13(2), 84-92. 26. Zhao, Y. (2020). COVID-19 as a Catalyst for Educational Change. Prospects, 49(1), 29-33.