Evaluating the Flexible Learning System (FLS) Implementation in the BITM Programme at Utem: A Mixed-Methods Case Study

The Flexible Learning System (FLS), introduced by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MoHE) in 2022, aims to provide higher education students with greater flexibility in managing their study schedules, optimising resource utilisation, and improving access to education. This case study evaluates the implementation of FLS in the Bachelor of Computer Science (Interactive Media) with Honours (BITM) programme at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), employing a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected through a structured survey administered to 58 students from the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic cohorts, supplemented by an analysis of official faculty documents. The findings indicate that while FLS offers notable advantages — including scheduling flexibility and cost savings — significant challenges persist, such as reduced effectiveness of practical learning, technological access gaps, and low student engagement. This study proposes a blended learning model that integrates face-to-face and online instruction, accompanied by improvements to digital infrastructure, as strategies to enhance the effectiveness of FLS. The findings carry important implications for policymakers and universities seeking to design more sustainable and effective flexible learning frameworks.

Flexible Learning System; Blended Learning; Open Distance Learning (ODL)

1. N. A. Alias and A. Z. Zainuddin, "Innovation for better teaching and learning: Adopting the learning management system," Malaysian Online Journal of Instructional Technology, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 27–40, 2005. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. F. Costan et al., "Teachers' Turnover Intentions in View of Implementing a Flexible Learning System: An Extended Theory of Planned Behavior," Sustainability (Switzerland), vol. 14, no. 20, 2022, doi: 10.3390/su142013009. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. C. S. Santiago Jr, M. P. L. Ulanday, Z. R. J. Centeno, M. D. C. Bayla, and J. S. Callanta, "Flexible Learning Adaptabilities in the New Normal: E-Learning Resources, Digital Meeting Platforms, Online Learning Systems and Learning Engagement," Asian Journal of Distance Education, vol. 16, no. 2, 2021. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. B. Whalley, D. France, J. Park, A. Mauchline, and K. Welsh, "Towards flexible personalized learning and the future educational system in the fourth industrial revolution in the wake of Covid-19," Higher Education Pedagogies, vol. 6, no. 1, 2021, doi: 10.1080/23752696.2021.1883458. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. S. C. H. Hoi, D. Sahoo, J. Lu, and P. Zhao, "Online learning: A comprehensive survey," Neurocomputing, vol. 459, pp. 365–409, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.neucom.2021.04.112. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. D. R. Garrison and H. Kanuka, "Blended learning: Uncovering its transformative potential in higher education," The Internet and Higher Education, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 95–105, 2004, doi: 10.1016/j.iheduc.2004.02.001. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. S. Park and S. Kim, "Is sustainable online learning possible with gamification? The effect of gamified online learning on student learning," Sustainability (Switzerland), vol. 13, no. 8, 2021, doi: 10.3390/su13084267. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. M. Warschauer, "Reconceptualizing the digital divide," First Monday, vol. 7, no. 7, 2002, doi: 10.5210/fm.v7i7.967. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. D. J. Lemay, P. Bazelais, and T. Doleck, "Transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic," Computers in Human Behavior Reports, vol. 4, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.chbr.2021.100130. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. O. B. Adedoyin and E. Soykan, "Covid-19 pandemic and online learning: the challenges and opportunities," Interactive Learning Environments, vol. 31, no. 2, pp. 863–875, 2023, doi: 10.1080/10494820.2020.1813180. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Z. Almahasees, K. Mohsen, and M. O. Amin, "Faculty's and Students' Perceptions of Online Learning During COVID-19," Frontiers in Education, vol. 6, 2021, doi: 10.3389/feduc.2021.638470. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. E. Chung, G. Subramaniam, and L. C. Dass, "Online learning readiness among university students in Malaysia amidst Covid-19," Asian Journal of University Education, vol. 16, no. 2, 2020, doi: 10.24191/AJUE.V16I2.10294. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. A. P. Aguilera-Hermida, "College students' use and acceptance of emergency online learning due to COVID-19," International Journal of Educational Research Open, vol. 1, 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.ijedro.2020.100011. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. C. Coman, L. G. Tiru, L. Mesesan-Schmitz, C. Stanciu, and M. C. Bularca, "Online teaching and learning in higher education during the coronavirus pandemic: Students' perspective," Sustainability (Switzerland), vol. 12, no. 24, 2020, doi: 10.3390/su122410367. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. L. Mishra, T. Gupta, and A. Shree, "Online teaching-learning in higher education during lockdown period of COVID-19 pandemic," International Journal of Educational Research Open, vol. 1, 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.ijedro.2020.100012. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. H. Temel and H. Gur, "Opinions of elementary mathematics teacher candidates on the use of digital technologies in mathematics education," Journal of Educational Technology and Online Learning, vol. 5, no. 4, 2022, doi: 10.31681/jetol.1151382. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Z. Akyol and D. R. Garrison, "The development of a community of inquiry over time in an online course: Understanding the progression and integration of social, cognitive and teaching presence," Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, vol. 12, no. 3–4, pp. 3–22, 2008. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. M. A. Khan, Vivek, M. K. Nabi, M. Khojah, and M. Tahir, "Students' perception towards e-learning during Covid-19 pandemic in India: An empirical study," Sustainability (Switzerland), vol. 13, no. 1, 2021, doi: 10.3390/su13010057. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. M. A. Almaiah, A. Al-Khasawneh, and A. Althunibat, "Exploring the critical challenges and factors influencing the E-learning system usage during COVID-19 pandemic," Education and Information Technologies, vol. 25, no. 6, pp. 5261–5280, 2020, doi: 10.1007/s10639-020-10219-y. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. A. M. Maatuk, E. K. Elberkawi, S. Aljawarneh, H. Rashaideh, and H. Alharbi, "The COVID-19 pandemic and E-learning: challenges and opportunities from the perspective of students and instructors," Journal of Computing in Higher Education, vol. 34, no. 1, pp. 18–38, 2022, doi: 10.1007/s12528-021-09274-2. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. A. Y. Alqahtani and A. A. Rajkhan, "E-learning critical success factors during the Covid-19 pandemic: A comprehensive analysis of e-learning managerial perspectives," Education Sciences, vol. 10, no. 9, 2020, doi: 10.3390/educsci10090216. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015–2025 (Higher Education). Putrajaya: Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, 2015. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. T. Anderson, Ed., The Theory and Practice of Online Learning, 2nd ed. Athabasca: Athabasca University Press, 2008. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. B. J. Zimmerman, "Becoming a self-regulated learner: An overview," Theory Into Practice, vol. 41, no. 2, pp. 64–70, 2002, doi: 10.1207/s15430421tip4102_2. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. J. Lave and E. Wenger, Situated Learning: Legitimate Peripheral Participation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1991. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• The Impact of Ownership Structure on Dividend Payout Policy of Listed Plantation Companies in Sri Lanka
• Urban Sustainability in North-East India: A Study through the lens of NER-SDG index
• Performance Assessment of Predictive Forecasting Techniques for Enhancing Hospital Supply Chain Efficiency in Healthcare Logistics
• The Fractured Self in Julian Barnes' Postmodern Fiction: Identity Crisis and Deflation in Metroland and the Sense of an Ending
• Impact of Flood on the Employment, Labour Productivity and Migration of Agricultural Labour in North Bihar