Online teaching during the Covid-19 pandemic: Perspectives from lecturers and administrators in Malaysian universities

University administrators and lecturers played vital roles in delivering education online during the global shift caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, most studies explore the experiences of students during the pandemic and often overlook the perspectives of university administrators and lecturers. This study aims to understand university administrators’ experiences and factors influencing lecturers’ behavioural intentions towards online teaching and learning in Malaysian higher education institutions (HEIs) during and post-pandemic. A mixed-methods approach was used, where interviews with 24 university administrators and a survey with 100 lecturers were conducted. The qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis, and the quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 26. The results revealed six key themes related to the challenges of online learning and solutions, the effectiveness of online tools, and satisfaction with online teaching. Key factors influencing online teaching intentions were identified, with ‘Suitability for Teaching’ and ‘Online System Flexibility’ ranking highest. While high satisfaction levels were reported, the study highlights the need for ongoing improvements in online education within Malaysian HEIs. This study draws on the integrated views and understandings of the administrators and the practical reality and views of the lecturers. This paper thus provides an integrated and ecosystem-like set of guidelines for university policymakers to make adjustments to current online teaching and learning practices, ensuring optimal pedagogical experiences and preparedness for future emergencies such as pandemics in Malaysian HEIs.