Distance Learning in a Cyber Islamic University: Best Experience from Indonesia

Abstract

Backgroung: The quality of online learning is a demand for the State Islamic Institute of Syekh Nurjati Cirebon as a pilot project for a cyber-based Islamic university which since 2021 has had a distance learning program of Islamic Education Study Program. The Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU) and Academic Partnership and The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) organizations provide some criteria for the quality of online learning. Mixed research with sequential methods was carried out on the study program academic community using closed and open questionnaires online and through some focus group discussions. The results show that from 8 quality dimensions (leadership management, student and learner profile, student information and support, assessment and integrity, infrastructure, learning media and resources, learning design and development, curriculum design, and learning outcomes) the average score is in the range of 84-86. This shows that the implementation of the distance learning program is good, with the curriculum design dimension having the highest score while learning outcomes having the lowest score. This is supported by the results of open statements and some focus group discussion agendas that the curriculum is very in line with the development and profile of the study program. However, until now the study program has not had any graduates. Optimizing and updating the Learning Management System, standardizing assessments, and accuracy of feedback are the aspects that need to be improved by the distance learning program. Objective: The aim of this research is to determine the level of service quality and student expectations regarding distance education carried out by the Syekh Nurjati State Islamic Institute, Cirebon, Indonesia. Method: This research adopts mix methods approach with sequential explanatory design. The data obtained through online closed and open questionnaires as well as Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with managers. Results and Discussion: The results show that from 8 quality dimensions (leadership management, student and learner profile, student information and support, assessment and integrity, infrastructure, learning media and resources, learning design and development, curriculum design, and learning outcomes) the average score is in the range of 84-86. The results obtained revealed that implementation of the distance learning program is good, with the curriculum design dimension having the highest score while learning outcomes having the lowest score. This is supported by the results of open statements and some focus group discussion agendas that the curriculum is very in line with the development and profile of the study program. Research Implications: The implication of this research are as follows: Optimizing and updating the Learning Management System, standardizing assessments, and accuracy of feedback are the aspects that need to be improved by the distance learning program.