The Implementation of Digital Tools for the English Language Reading and Writing Skills in Malaysian Private University during the Endemic Phase

Abstract

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which took place in early 2020, had a huge impact on online learning throughout the world. In Malaysia, all the students from the primary level to the postgraduate level had to cope with emergency remote lessons (ERL), where it was a necessity for students to equip themselves with digital devices such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and other relevant gadgets with sufficient internet connection for their education. However, as Malaysia entered an endemic phase in April 2022, online learning remains relevant in higher education institutions, as COVID-19 redefines teaching and learning in the 21st century. Therefore, the objective of this study is to find out the significant effects of implementing Microsoft Teams, the digital tool in the English language reading and writing skills in two Malaysian private institutions. The study seeks to find out if implementation could enhance their classroom participation and involvement in these areas during the endemic phase using the individual action research method. During the Covid-19 period, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and Segi University used Microsoft Teams as the secondary digital tool to post announcements, class activities and as an additional discussion platform for communication and feedback besides the primary Learning Management System (LMS) set by the university. During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote and online learning with digital tools and devices showed positive outcomes. Future activities should incorporate technology, such as mobile phones, to enhance students' learning abilities, particularly in teaching writing.