THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERNET ACCESS AS A TECHNOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN SUPPORTING TEACHERS’ INSTRUCTION IN SUBURBAN SCHOOLS IN JERANTUT DISTRICT, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR

This study empirically explores the effectiveness of internet access as a technological infrastructure in supporting the implementation of teaching and learning among teachers in suburban schools within the district of Jerantut, Pahang Darul Makmur. Employing a quantitative survey approach with a questionnaire instrument validated for its reliability and validity, the study involved 31 teacher respondents from three selected schools. Descriptive analysis reveals that although the use of digital technology among teachers is high, critical issues related to the stability and coverage of internet access remain the main hindrances. The findings further uncover teachers’ positive perceptions of the potential of digital technology in enhancing pedagogical processes; however, this potential remains constrained by unresolved infrastructural challenges. Therefore, the study recommends that the relevant authorities, particularly the Ministry of Education Malaysia, promptly implement a more systematic and transparent process of upgrading digital infrastructure and ensure that the quality of subsidised devices distributed truly meets the current needs of digital pedagogy. This study carries significant implications for the formulation of digital education policies, school management, and teacher professionalism development, while also suggesting that further longitudinal research be conducted to evaluate the actual impact of digital initiatives on the quality of education in suburban areas.