Assignment 1: The Challenges of Online Learning Amid The Covid-19 Pandemic

 

Currently, Covid-19 is a hot topic of conversation until now. In any hemisphere, Covid-19 still dominates public spaces around the world. In just a short time, Covid-19 became a trending topic and was reported massively in print and electronic media. Covid-19 is a contagious disease caused by the Corona Virus type that can attack anyone of all ages. Covid-19 was found in Wuhan, China at the end of December 2019. This virus is very fast spreading and has spread to almost all countries, including Indonesia.

Indonesia has big challenges in handling Covid-19. Of all the aspects that are currently challenging, I concentrate on the educational aspect, which is essential for discussion. To minimize the number of positive patients with Covid-19, which is increasing day by day, the Indonesian government decided to implement a policy of dismissing students and starting to apply learning methods with an online system. This government policy has been implemented in several regions in Indonesia since March 16, 2020 until now.

All affected countries have tried to make their best policies in maintaining the continuity of education services. Indonesia also faces several real challenges that we facing today, such as the following:

1.      Inequality of technology between schools in cities and remote areas.

Until now, there are still many schools and universities that have technological limitations. We can see this gap by looking at the difference in technology used by schools or universities in big cities compared to schools in remote areas that are less developed.

2.      The limited competence of teachers and students in the use of learning technology.

It needs to be realized that the unpreparedness of teachers and students for online learning is also a problem. The transfer of conventional learning systems to online systems was very sudden, without proper preparation. So that the stuttering of online learning is so visible. There are still a lot of teachers and students who do not understand using technology well.

3.   Limited resources for the use of educational technology such as internet networks and internet quotas.  

The problem that occurs is not only in the instructional media system, but the availability of quotas that require quite high costs for students and teachers to facilitate online learning needs. The quota that is purchased for internet needs has increased and many parents are not ready to increase their budget in providing internet networks. In addition, online learning cannot be separated from an internet connection. Internet connection is one of the obstacles faced by students whose homes are difficult to access the internet, especially those students who live in rural or remote areas. This is also a problem that almost occurs in students who take part in the implementation of online learning so that the implementation is not optimal.

        From the challenges above that we often face, it can be concluded that the availability of digital infrastructure is still not evenly distributed throughout Indonesia. Therefore, in general we are not completely ready to do online learning at this time. Moreover, many university students complain about their failure to understand the material that explained via online. In addition, students also feel overwhelmed in doing the assignments given by the lecturers.  With the use of an online learning system by giving assignments continuously, it makes it even more difficult for students to explore the material of a course, this is because students only focus on the deadlines for assignments that are given, not focused on exploring the material.

In addition, the success of online learning during the Covid-19 period depends on the discipline of all parties. Thus, online learning is an effective solution to break the chain of spreading Covid-19. Good cooperation between teachers, lecturers, students, parents, and schools and universities is a determining factor in making online learning more effective.

 

Hopefully this Covid-19 pandemic will pass quickly along with the implementation of the new policy, namely the New Normal which has been implemented by the government.  So that the learning process can be carried out as before. Our distribution is very important at this time to break the chain of spreading Covid-19.  Therefore, let's follow the health protocols that have been set by the government together.  Stay Healthy and safe do not forget to use your mask when leaving the house.