Digital Learning Landscape in Malaysia during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Perspective of Ecological Techno-Subsystem Theory

This study aims to analyse the digital learning landscape based on an 'ecological' approach. Using an ecological approach, the ecological technology-subsystem theory frames Malaysia's digital learning environment as a complex interplay between technology, society, industry and policy. Such a practice is vital in addressing issues relating to challenges, policy-making, and digital learning governance during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. This paper proposes ecological technology subsystem theory to understand the transformation of a child as a digital learner during COVID-19 in the Malaysian school context. Data were gathered through document analysis, mass media, policy papers, and questionnaire from 670 Malaysian teachers. The analysis provides insight to three levels of the digital learning landscape in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic: fi rst, at the individual student level within the microsystem, primarily at the home as a place for digital learning during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown; second, at the level of social mediation, principally related to parents and teachers who both serve as bridges for the children to cross digital learning boundaries across any Subsystem; and third, at the national level, where government policies and industries shape a digital learning culture while reducing the digital divide among children from different socioeconomic backgrounds.