Information Management and Business Review (ISSN 2220-3796) Vol. 15, No. 3(SI), pp. 42-49, September 2023 42 Challenges of Using Online Distance Learning Platforms in Higher Education: Perception of Business Students Norashikin Hussein, Syezreen Dalina Rusdi * , Idaya Husna Mohamad, Muhamad Khalil Omar, Ainie Hairianie Aluwi Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Puncak Alam, 42300 Malaysia shikin6320@uitm.edu.my, syezre5475@uitm.edu.my * , idayahusna@uitm.edu.my, khalil.omar@uitm.edu.my, ainie402@uitm.edu.my Abstract: The year 2020 has changed the world of education intensely with the distinctive rise of online distance learning (ODL), whereby teaching and learning are undertaken remotely and on digital platforms. Driven by both the pandemic and advancements in digital technologies, the new norm of online learning continues to persist post-pandemic. Therefore, this paper explored the extent of ODL challenges faced by semester 5 business students in one of the public universities in Malaysia. Their perception of internal and external challenges namely time management, attitude, self-esteem, internet connection, socioeconomic and non-conducive environment will be examined. By using non-probability sampling, data were gathered from a total of 110 semesters 5 business students from 9 courses in the Faculty of Business and Management. The findings of this study revealed that internal challenges domain (time management, attitude, self-esteem) affect students the most in ODL. Consequently, the result of this study is hoped to help the education community prepare for a hybrid and flexible learning system as recently announced by the Malaysia Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). Keywords: ODL challenges, time management, internet connection, self-esteem, socioeconomic, non-conducive environment. 1. Introduction and Background The realm of education has witnessed significant transformations in recent years. Propelled by the 2020 pandemic, with its unprecedented challenges, technological advancements and the changing demands of learners further accelerated the adoption of online learning platforms, showcasing their potential in overcoming geographical barriers and ensuring continuity in education. In response to the evolving educational landscape, Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) recently made a groundbreaking announcement to introduce a hybrid and flexible learning system in universities. Online learning within the context of hybrid learning is referred to as teaching and learning in an environment that uses the Internet and other technological devices and tools for synchronous and asynchronous instructional delivery and management of academic programs (Usher & Barak, 2020; Huang, 2019). The hybrid and flexible learning system acknowledges the importance of fostering an engaging and interactive learning environment. By incorporating face-to-face interactions and immersive experiences, it aims to enhance student engagement, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. This approach recognizes the unique value of in-person interactions, allowing students to benefit from direct interactions with peers, instructors, and resources, while still capitalizing on the convenience and accessibility offered by online platforms. The adoption of online classroom games or gamification in the context of hybrid and flexible learning can enhance the quality of education and promote active student participation in a hybrid learning environment (Essa, 2023). This approach not only aligns with the changing expectations of students but also addresses the challenges associated with traditional online instruction, such as low student engagement and high attrition rates (Cheung & Ng, 2021). While the introduction of the hybrid and flexible learning system presents tremendous opportunities, it also brings forth a range of challenges that must be addressed. Because online learning challenges vary in terms of type and extent specifically in the context of Malaysian education, this has elevated a concern on ODL possible challenges and how students are adapting to this new mode of learning. Thus, this study attempts to investigate the perception of business students on internal ODL challenges namely time management, attitude, and self-esteem as well as external ODL challenges that include internet connection, socioeconomic and non-conducive environment.